On Aug. 25-26, Israeli food, dance and handcrafted gifts and jewelry will be showcased at the annual Festival of Nations in Tower Grove Park.

The Festival of Nations, which draws nearly 50,000 spectators annually, is an outdoor celebration of the diversity in our region, featuring traditional dance and music, food, cultural and educational exhibits, folk art demonstrations and an international market. Presented by the International Institute and 125 ethnic organizations, the festival promotes awareness and understanding of St. Louis’ growing ethnic population.

This is the second year that Israeli cultural arts will be represented in all three facets (performance, food, gifts).

Igal Alon’s Mavrik Jewelry will present a new collection of handmade Israeli jewelry and gifts. The Hora Gil Israeli Folk Dancing Troupe will take the stage Sunday, Aug. 26, at 11 a.m., at the Forest Stage. Shir Ami, the local Jewish folk-singing group, will be performing on Sunday as well.

The entire Jewish community is invited to come out and show its support.

The Israeli food booth, coordinated by Elie Harir and Rachel Persellin-Armoza, is one of 35 different food vendors that will offer ethnic delicacies to participants. Among the traditional Israeli fare offered are falafel, hummus, pita and stuffed grape leaves along with an assortment of homemade Middle Eastern desserts.

The Festival is free to the general public and family-oriented, and includes food and gifts, dance and music on three stages in addition to a children’s area with ethnic storytelling, mask-making and other hands-on activities.

The Festival of Nations will be held at Tower Grove Park in the City of St. Louis on Aug. 25 (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) and Aug. 25 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.).