Photos by Skip Murray
By William Tauro
Hundreds of people filled Union Square this past Saturday as Somerville hosted its annual Ignite Food and Fire Festival.
The event was produced by The Somerville Arts Council where “Ignite! A Global food and Fire Festival.” Presented Food trucks, fire dancers, and much more.
To celebrate Union Square’s sizzling food landscape the Somerville Arts Council brought you their latest ArtsUnion event: Ignite, an evening of international eats, fire throwers, roving entertainment and a raucous celebration of global culture.
Just a few of the 2015 vendors included Cantina La Mexicana, Casa B (Latin American Tapas), India Palace, Gracie’s Ice Cream and the Arts Council’s Nibble Culinary Entrepreneurs, who served up: Mexican Tostadas de Tinga de Pollo and Brazilian Acarajé. They also were able to graze on Brazilian BBQ while sipping freshly squeezed sugar cane juice and vegetarian Indian dosa.
There was also plenty of food activities. At the Arts Council table play “Ignite Your Mouth” or the “Nose Olympics!” The SAC’s Nibble book, which was filled with recipes, stories and art. Nearby there were food demos: Mexican Cactus Juice, Brazilian Acarajé and a how-to ferment extravaganza. There were also activities for children including a “Play with your Food!” art activity and a stilting workshop courtesy of Open Air Circus in Stone Park (behind the Independent parking lot).
Crowds also visited Groundworks Somerville and the Community Growing Center tables to learn more about their great food-related work.
Beyond food, there were roving performers, including belly dancers, Butoh cheerleaders and musicians. A salsa performance by Noche Latina Dance School and the main event: a fire throwing spectacular by the Boston Circus Guild.
