Dollywood presents Festival of Nations

This Spring, Dollywood begins another exciting year as Pigeon Forge's most fun attraction. Their unique Festival of Nations is back, and it is better than ever. The Festival of Nations lasts from March 21-May 5 2008.

An international rhythm comes to life as Dollywood presents the world’s most popular dances, from Latin America’s spicy salsa and fantastic flamenco to Russia’s captivating Cossack. And see Ireland’s sensational stepdancing in the highly anticipated return of Rhythm of the Dance, the show-stopping centerpiece of Celebrate Ireland featuring Irish dining, crafters, entertainment and more. Daring dance steps are just the beginning of Dollywood’s seven-week celebration of music, artistry, foods and crafts from around the globe during Festival of Nations.And don't miss a world of entertainment from the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, the Kayumanggi Philippine Performing Arts, Zambia Vocal Group and Ecuador's Atahualpa.

Special Features

Calpulli Mexican Dance Company
This group’s energetic dance moves and colorful costumes, complete with ceremonial make-up, bird feathers, and seashell anklets, are set against a backdrop of passionate music. Calpulli Mexican Dance Company incorporates music and theatre to showcase the rich diversity of Mexico’s regional dances. From polkas of Northern Mexico to the fiestas of the Yucatan Peninsula, dances are performed to the sounds of coastal Mexican rhythms, Aztec drums, and the world-renowned music of the Mariachi.

Chiemgau Schuhplattler
Chiemgau Schuhplattler is a traditional folk dance group from Bavaria. Audiences will recognize their traditional costumes. Men and young boys sport Bavarian-style lederhosen, including leather shorts, usually with suspenders, while the ladies wear beautiful dresses. Chiemgau Schuhplattler’s high energy dance is steeped in tradition, where quick movements of an ax and whip keep rhythm with fast-paced hand and body movements, punctuated by dynamic foot stomping. The dances originated centuries ago with the Balztanz, an early courtship display where young men, in a bid to win the young ladies’ hearts, would impress them with their dancing prowess.

Kayumanggi Philippine Performing Arts
Promoting greater understanding of Philippine culture through song, music, dance, Kayumanggi performs captivating traditional dances like tinikling, the country’s national dance, where daring dancers weave in and out of bamboo poles with an ever-increasing tempo; pandanggo sa ilaw, featuring dancers balancing lighted candles on their heads; as well as the romantic and graceful Jotas and Balses.

Villa de Alhama

The folklore group “Villa de Alhama” incorporates singing, dancing and storytelling along with their country’s native dress to tell the stories and share the rich culture and history of Spain.

Rhythm of the Dance
Watch as Ireland’s renowned musical heritage unfolds during this high-energy Celtic dance and musical spectacular brought to life by 20 dancers and a six-piece band. Fancy footwork, colorful costumes and traditional music including accordion, fiddles, bodhrán and African drums, saxophone and whistles pay a stunning tribute to the Emerald Isle.

Ecuador's Atahualpa
Veterans of various festivals around the world, Atahualpa's traditional rhythms celebrate the rich history and culture of South America’s Andes Mountains where salsa and meringue music creates a colorful and entertaining carnival festival for all to enjoy.

O'Malley's Place

Miss Lillian, one of Dollywood's most colorful characters, invites you to join her in Craftsman's Valley at O'Malley's All-You-Care-To-Eat buffet. Choose from Southern fried chicken, corned beef & cabbage and shepherd's pie with side servings of garlic Irish cheddar mashed potatoes, white pepper gravy, green beans, and a spring vegetable blend. A variety of salads and delicious desserts will complete your meal. Be on the lookout for Miss Lillian's fresh-from-the-oven baked biscuits, because she's liable to toss one in your direction! Miss Lillian also serves up a rousing song or two, making this one of the most entertaining meals at Dollywood.

Russian National Theatre
This 31-member troupe consists of highly skilled artists performing breathtaking classic and folk dances and beautiful songs with stirring lyrics, both accompanied by a variety of musical instruments. The dramatic presentation incorporates elements of traditional Russian circus and lively fisticuffs set against colorful scenery and vibrant costumes.

Valley Theater Traditional Music
Irish roots run deep in the Smoky Mountains, and it's reflected and heard in our musical heritage. Enjoy the lively sounds of visiting Irish bands who take audiences on a musical journey through centuries of Celtic music.

Zambia Vocal Group
Zambian Vocal Group combines young men from Africa’s south-central region in a small community where poverty, disease and tribal divisions are commonplace. The group’s vocalists hail from different African tribes to form a collective sound, underscoring the message that music unites us all. Zambian Vocal Group's a capella repertoire ranges from traditional hymns to original songs, all featuring a unique combination of traditional African rhythms, vocal percussion and complex vocal harmonies. Discovered by a visiting missionary in 1989, the group has traveled half way around the world, bringing its worship music to more than 350 churches.

Information & Image courtesy of Dollywood