Category 2 Peabody International Festival Peabody Mayor Peter Torigian realized the importance of bringing a community together to share in its varied backgrounds and cultures. The Peabody International Festival was established in 1984 to break down the bonds of intolerance so that neighbors can learn to live with one another and appreciate the community's diversity. The festival attracts 80,000 people from all over New England.
Local organizations sell ethnic food and offer information about their different heritages.
Two large stages are erected at each end of the festival, providing 12 hours of continuous ethnic entertainment, and a galleria displays original artwork from local artists. By learning about their neighbors, Peabody residents have become more tolerant of one another, and have learned to appreciate their differences. Return to Innovation Awards Index .