When I was a kid, there was a Coca-Cola ad this time of year where people from all walks of life joined hands and harmonized, “I’d like to teach the world to sing.” Though I am no longer under the assumption that a drink or a song can bring world peace, the sentiment has stayed with me. I see it alive and well right here in Carmel.
For many locals, the holidays are synonymous with Christkindlmarkt which celebrates the German heritage in the area and chronicles the history of Christmas traditions. However, this month, Carmel residents also will be celebrating Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, both holidays commemorated by the lighting of candles.
The City of Carmel aims to embrace and honor the wide variety of international cultures present in the city.
“It is essential for our city events to reflect the diversity of our community,” Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam says. “This not only promotes a welcoming atmosphere but also provides opportunities for all of us to learn about different cultures.”
According to Carmel Director of Marketing and Community Relations Kelly Douglas, roughly 15 percent of the residents of Carmel consider themselves part of an international culture. Chair of the Mayor’s Sister Cities Advisory Board Andris Berzins says that, just within the Carmel Clay Schools, there are students from 90 different countries who speak 110 different languages.
“We’re just trying to celebrate the residents that are here because it reflects our community,” Douglas says.
Berzins, for one, loves the multicultural aspect of Carmel.
“We have a lot of different nationalities and a lot of different religions,” he says. “People don’t really realize that, but they’re our neighbors.”
Born in the U.S., the son of Latvian immigrants, Berzins knows first hand what it’s like to grow up in an international community.
“These communities have a tendency to stay together because the language is the same, the culture is the same,” he says. “The key is to have them feel comfortable in our community in Carmel, not just living in the community, but engaged in the community.”
In the past several months, the city has hosted the Carmel International Arts Festival which welcomed dancers from Latvia, as well as local ensembles sharing Mexican and Greek folk dance. Carmel also celebrated the Chinese Mooncake Festival and Diwali, a festival of lights.
“Carmel is an amazing city with a vibrant array of cultures and ethnicities,” says Dr. Anita Joshi, Carmel City Council member and chair of the Diwali Committee. "The celebration of Diwali is just one way Carmel showcases its beautiful diversity and highlights our city’s welcoming spirit.”
Already, the city is looking ahead at ways to celebrate other cultures in 2025, such as breaking the fast of Ramadan in the spring and reopening the Japanese gardens just south of City Hall in conjunction with the Cherry Blossom Festival.
“We are delighted to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the residents of Carmel through events that showcase their heritage,” Finkam says.
While Berzins admits that the city can’t hold an event for every international holiday, he says such opportunities offer a chance for education.
In addition to recognizing the multitude of cultures in and around Carmel, the city also works to maintain robust relationships with its six sister cities in Japan, Latvia, Italy, Germany, India and France, facilitating exchanges of students, doctors, police and more.
“There is so much to learn from each other,” Berzins says. “These cultures are also part of the American community and the Carmel community. We can all participate and enjoy the celebrations.”
(Photos provided by The City of Carmel)