SPIFFS is the only independent multiethnic organization of its kind in the United States and has been named as a local legacy by the Library of Congress.
In addition to Folk Fair, SPIFFS offers the following services to anyone in the area — and we invite you to use them!
The Speakers Bureau - Folk Artists and ethnic resource volunteers visit area schools and other community venues to discuss the heritage of their ethnic group, share their music, dance, arts and crafts, and sometimes demonstrate ethnic food specialties.
The Language Bank - More than 100 individuals handling more than 30 different languages and dialects serve as translators and interpreters for the community in courts, hospitals and schools and assist local city and county officials with translations for visiting dignitaries.
General Assembly - Each of the SPIFFS ethnic member groups have a delegate and an alternate delegate to the SPIFFS which meets once a month at the Sunshine Center in downtown St. Petersburg.
Folk dance groups - Many of the member groups have dance groups which are available to perform throughout the community. One of these groups is the SPICE (St. Petersburg International Children’s Ensemble). For the other entertainment groups, please contact SPIFFS office.
The aims and purpose of SPIFFS are:
1. To preserve and encourage ethnic cultures, both popular and traditional, through educational and cultural activities;
2. To promote awareness and tolerance of diverse cultures;
3. To promote American citizenship and its ideas among people of all nationalities.
