
That’s the best part of America,” said Philippines native Dr. Teresita Sanagustin. “You can travel the world without the hassle of traveling.”

Such was the case in Gulfport on Saturday when the Casino once again played host to the St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society (SPIFFS) Ball April 23. Citizens from all over the world gathered in traditional dress to eat, dance and represent their nations in a celebration that has been going on for 30 years.

SPIFFS Executive Director Lotta Baumann, a native of Sweden, chooses Gulfport to host the celebration because, as she says, “The Casino is nice and the people are nice.”
Baumann was also excited to announce the 42nd international folk fair at the end of October as well as the organization’s newest event, on May 21, call the World Day Festival of Culture Diversity.
“The United Nations has proclaimed that day as World Day for Understanding,” Baumann said. “It’s like a mini folk fair.” Find out more at spiffs.org.
