For one weekend every fall, downtown Tucson becomes a walking gallery of color, culture and community pride for Tucson Meet Yourself.

Festivalgoers stream under the Tucson Meet Yourself banner in Jácome Plaza on Oct. 18. The city of Tucson has been celebrating its annual folklife festival since 1974. Credit: Josie Shivers
Two women embrace near the folk art displays and sales on Pennington Street, on Oct. 19. Many families were out enjoying the festivities. Credit: Josie Shivers

This year’s festival filled Jácome Plaza with the familiar welcome banner and long lines of visitors weaving through tents, shade structures and music stages.

Nearly 50 food vendors serving cuisine from around the world lined the walkways while artists and community groups offered demonstrations and displays.

A food vendor serves up traditional African cuisine from Egusi with Fufu to African barbecued meats in the Alafia West African Cuisine booth near Church Avenue, on Oct. 19. Credit: Josie Shivers
Two men pose by the Dukes Car Club near Church Avenue, on Oct. 18. The Dukes Car Club brought a smaller version of their car show. They have been part of Tucson Meet Yourself for over 25 years. Credit: Josie Shivers
Engel Indo admires the crowd on the stage by Stone Avenue, on Oct. 19. Indo is part of the Chalako the Band, performing multiple genres of music, such as Salsa, Cumbia, Tejano and even Blues. Credit: Josie Shivers

Thousands came for the food and the music — and many for a feeling of belonging. For longtime Tucsonans, the festival is a reunion as much as a showcase. For newcomers, it’s a welcome chance to taste, hear and learn what community looks like here.

A woman enjoys an ear of roasted corn near Church Avenue, on Oct. 19. Credit: Josie Shivers
Bonyang Micheals stands in her tent near Pennington Street, on Oct. 18. Micheals is originally from Laos and has been a part of the annual festival since 1980, demonstrating weaving. Credit: Josie Shivers

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Josie Shivers is a University of Arizona student and photography intern for Arizona Luminaria.