About the Festival

The Jackson International Food and Art Festival was born from a series of community meetings organized by Mayor Jerry Gist in 2013.  Two community representatives in particular, Dr. Sandra Dee and Eduardo Morales, thought that it would be beneficial for Jackson’s foreign-born citizens to share their history, art, and culture with their fellow Jacksonians.  Dr. Dee and Mr. Morales agreed to co-chair the event and began recruiting like-minded community members to help organize, fund, and throw an international party in Jackson!

The festival’s mission is to spread cultural awareness, promote cross-cultural engagement, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of residents throughout West Tennessee.  Food and art are important themes present in all cultures, countries, and religions, and the festival serves as a place for all cultures to share their cuisine, art, and traditional performances in Jackson.  The JIFAF aims to remind the community that despite differences in appearance, how we worship, or where we come from, there is far more that unites us than divides us.  

Under the leadership of Dr. Dee and Mr. Morales, and with the help of  many individuals, institutions, and businesses, the JIFAF has seen steady growth each year in cultural participation, community engagement, a beautiful and engaging parade, and a variety of awesome performances. The JIFAF was the recipient of the Heart and Soul of the Arts Award presented by the Jackson Arts Council in 2020. The Festival was selected as VIP Jackson’s Best Event in 2023. Festival chairs Dr. Sandra Dee and Eduardo Morales received the May and Dr. Barnett Scott Award presented by the Community Foundation of West TN in 2024.