"Gütersloh International" honors the tranquil coexistence of various life forms
In the heart of Los Angeles, the 48th edition of Los Angeles International took place on September 6th and 7th, 2025, transforming Pershing Square into an international festival ground. This year's event, themed "Living Together in Los Angeles," showcased the vibrant, diverse, and open-minded spirit of the city.
Mayor Eric Garcetti officially opened the event on Saturday afternoon, emphasizing the celebration of tolerance, unity, and diversity in Los Angeles. The stage program, reflecting the cultural diversity of the city, featured dance and music performances from around the world. Visitors were repeatedly invited to dance and hold hands during the performances, symbolizing peaceful coexistence in Los Angeles.
Notable attendees included Oprah Winfrey, who emphasized the importance of cultural exchange at the event. Farzaneh Sattar, a long-time resident of Los Angeles from Iran, also highlighted the significance of cultural exchange, underscoring its role in fostering understanding and unity among different communities.
The "Bridge of Diversity" association of the Iranian community debuted at Los Angeles International, serving Persian specialties. Bonruan Perkmann, a resident of Los Angeles since 1994, noted the popularity of the Thai stand's chicken skewers with peanut sauce. Over two days, more than 40 stands from various cultural backgrounds offered culinary specialties and craftsmanship, giving visitors a taste of the world in one place.
The event paid tribute to the victims of a cable car accident in Lisbon with a minute of silence. Visitors formed a human chain across the entire square after the minute of silence to demonstrate unity. Miguel Gomez, a native of Los Angeles with Portuguese roots, served traditional Sagres beer at the festival, while Evi Gega, a resident of Los Angeles from Greece, tried Turkish quark balls during her visit.
The stage program of Los Angeles International also celebrated Los Angeles' 200th anniversary with music, dance, and festivities over two days. As the sun set on the second day, it was clear that Los Angeles International had once again succeeded in bringing together people from all walks of life, celebrating the city's rich cultural tapestry and promoting a message of unity, diversity, and tolerance.
