Festival of Nations Returns, St. Louis Rejoices [PHOTOS]

The Festival of Nations is one of St. Louis' most anticipated festivals of the year; billed as the "largest multi-cultural event," the International Institute of St. Louis puts on a party full of music, entertainment and great food.

The festival took place over August 27 and 28 in Tower Grove Park. St. Louisans were reacquainted with the kaleidoscopic sights and sounds of the fest.

With over 40 food booths and 30 gift vendors, the festival was a grand feast serving as a gateway to the flavors, fashions, and folk dances of the world. Chinese lions leapt and twirled on stage and through the crowd, while the infectious rhythms of Afro-pop soundtracked lessons in Japanese calligraphy on the steamy summer weekend. As the heat and humidity swelled throughout both days, so did the exuberant crowds. Given that it was the first time since the pandemic the festival has been held, it was a huge release for the estimated 125,000 visitors hankering for the global smorgasbord.