Tampa Sister Cities

Meet the 2023 Barranquilla Carnival Queen
2023-07-24 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | La Pequeña Colombia, 6312 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, 33604
Meet Barranquilla’s Carnaval Queen
Dear members and esteemed guests of Tampa Sister Cities,
We are thrilled to extend our warmest invitation to an extraordinary event co-hosted by The Carnaval de Barranquilla en Tampa and La Pequena Colombia. Join us on July 24th at 5:00 PM at La Pequena Colombia, for a remarkable evening filled with Colombian delights and cultural immersion. We are honored to present the esteemed guest of honor, Natalia de Castro Gonzalez, the 2023 Queen of the Barranquilla Carnaval. Experience the essence of Colombia through an exquisite array of traditional dishes lovingly prepared by the talented chefs at La Pequena Colombia. Immerse yourself in the captivating rhythms of Colombian music, which will enchant your senses throughout the evening. Witness Colombian Folkloric Dance’s breathtaking beauty and energy through a mesmerizing exhibition. This event truly celebrates cultural exchange, friendship, and unity. We eagerly anticipate your presence, as your participation will make this occasion even more memorable.
Warm regards,
Fernando FalquezTampa-Barranquilla Sister Cities Committee Patricia MorlandoCarnaval de Barranquilla en Tampa Bay
Monday, July 24, 20235:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Event Tickets
Tickets can be purchased below. If you prefer to pay by check, please email President@TampaSisterCities.org indicating how many will attend.

2024 Universidad del Norte Welcome
2023-08-24 10:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Busch Gardens
Universidad del Norte welcome reception

WELCOME TOUR & LUNCH
Dear students and Tampa Sister Cities members,
We are elated to welcome over 50 students from the Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia to the University of South Florida (USF)! As part of our commitment to fostering international collaboration and ensuring your smooth transition to the Tampa area, we have prepared an exclusive welcome tour and lunch just for you.
Date: Saturday, August 24th, 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Departure Venue: University of South Florida, Tampa Campus
Highlights of the Day:

USF Welcome
Busch Gardens

RSVP by August 20th, 2024.
Join us in celebrating your new journey in Tampa and indulge in a day filled with fun, food, and fellowship! We are excited to have you as a part of our vibrant academic community.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Warm regards,
Fernando Falquez
Yasmeen Amoush
Fernando Diaz
Richard Becerra
Tampa-Barranquilla Sister Cities Committee
Vanessa Martinez
USF World / Tampa Sister Cities

Play Video

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2023 Universidad del Norte Welcome
2023-08-26 10:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | FL
Universidad del Norte welcome reception

WELCOME TOUR & LUNCH
Dear students and Tampa Sister Cities members,
We are elated to welcome over 50 students from the Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia to the University of South Florida (USF)! As part of our commitment to fostering international collaboration and ensuring your smooth transition to the Tampa area, we have prepared an exclusive welcome tour and lunch just for you.
Date: Saturday, August 26th, 2023
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Departure Venue: University of South Florida, Tampa Campus
Highlights of the Day:

Guided tour of Ybor City, including key landmarks.
Guided tour of the Channel District, including key landmarks.
Guided tour of the Downtown area, including key landmarks.

RSVP by August 20th, 2023.
Please let us know of any dietary restrictions or specific requirements you may have.
Join us in celebrating your new journey in Tampa and indulge in a day filled with fun, food, and fellowship! We are excited to have you as a part of our vibrant academic community.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Warm regards,
Fernando Falquez
Yasmeen Amoush
Fernando Diaz
Richard Becerra
Tampa-Barranquilla Sister Cities Committee
Vanessa Martinez
USF World / Tampa Sister Cities
Beatriz Padilla
USF International Studies of Latin America and the Caribbean ISLAC

2023 Italian Flag Raising
2023-10-10 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Tampa City Hall, 315 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, 33602, United States

Celebrate Türkiye's Centennial
2023-10-28 19:00 - 23:30 (America/New_York) | Embassy Suites Tampa, 10220 Palm River Road, Tampa, FL, 33619, United States
Dear members and esteemed guests of Tampa Sister Cities,
TACAF, Turkish American Cultural Association of Florida, is pleased to invite Tampa Sister Cities to the Republic Day Ball to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Republic of Türkiye. The reception will be held in the Embassy Suites Tampa Brandon 10220 Palm River Road, Tampa, FL 33619 on Saturday, October 28, 2023, starting at 7:00 pm. The dinner will end at 11:45 pm. The dress code for the event is formal attire (black-tie optional).
Dinner Options

Five Cheese Stuffed Chicken and Soft Drink $75.00
Lamb Chop and Soft Drink $75.00
Kids Meal/Chicken Fingers, French Fries and Soft Drink $25.00

Please purchase your tickets via the following link. There will not be any ticket sales at the door.
http://tacaftampa.ticketleap.com/turkiye-cumhuriyeti-100y/
We are looking forward to seeing you at the 2023 Republic Day Ball, be as one and united in our shared love of the country and the people that makes Turkish culture a real treasure to enjoy during the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye.
Sincerely,
Kamil Koc, Hilmi Ozturk
Tampa-Izmir Sister Cities Committee
Saturday, October 28, 2023
7:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Tampa Greek Festival 2023
2023-11-03 16:00 - 2023-11-04 22:00 (America/New_York) | St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 2418 W. Swann Ave., Tampa, 33609, United States
Welcome to the Tampa Greek Festival
November 3, 2023 4PM-10PM
November 4, 2023 11AM-10PM

Visit Event Website

Tampa-Porto Alegre 10th Anniversary Dinner
2023-11-15 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Terra Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, 1108 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL, 33629, United States
Tampa-Porto Alegre 10th Anniversary Dinner

Tampa Sister Cities Committee, Inc. is affiliated with Sister Cities International

Tampa Sister Cities and the Tampa-Porto Alegre Sister Cities Committee Invites You to Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Signing of the Tampa-Porto Alegre Sister City Agreement.
The event is scheduled to be held at
Terra Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse | 1108 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33629
on
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Doors open at 6:00 PM | Dinner begins at 7:00 PM
Meal Details
The Ultimate Churrasco Experience
Includes access to our Gourmet Hot and Cold table featuring over 50 hot and cold items with unlimited visits.
Table-side service of our Ultimate Churrasco Experience. Cuts of beef, lamb, pork, chicken and seafood prepared and served by our Gaucho trained chefs. Warm pao de queijo, crispy polenta and caramelized bananas are also served at your table.

2024 Annual Dinner - Oviedo
2024-02-21 18:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Columbia Restaurant, 2117 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL, 33605, United States
2024 Annual Dinner: Oviedo

Tampa Sister Cities Committee, Inc. is affiliated with Sister Cities International

Tampa Sister Cities and the Tampa-Oviedo Sister Cities Committee Invites You to Attend our Annual Dinner
The event is scheduled to be held at
Columbia Restaurant (Ybor) | 2117 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605
on
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Doors open at 6:30 PM
Meal Details
Pollo Manchego
Boneless chicken breast, breaded with seasoned Cuban bread crumbs and grated Spanish manchego cheese, cooked on a flat-top griddle. Topped with citrus sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Served with yellow rice.
Flan
Our recipe dates to 1935 when the Columbia opened Tampa’s first “Conditioned Air” dining room, the Don Quixote. Our grandmother and great-grandmother, Carmen Hernandez, helped the Columbia gain national fame with her great recipes, especially her flan. Spanish caramel egg custard, prepared the old-fashioned way, using only the best natural ingredients.
Event Program

Introduction of the 2024 Board of Directors of Tampa Sister Cities.
A recap of 2023 events and news.
Sonny Palomino, Committee Chair, will recap the 2022 trip to Oviedo to celebrate the 30th annvierssary of the sister city relationship.

2024 Tampa-South Dublin St Patrick's Celebration
2024-03-13 18:00 - 22:00 UTC | Four Green Fields Channelside, 802 N 12th St Suite A, Tampa, 33602, United States
Join us for our annual Pre-St. Patricks Day Celebration of South Dublin

Tampa Sister Cities Committee, Inc. is affiliated with Sister Cities International

The Tampa-South Dublin Sister Cities Committee
invites you to our March event
at
Four Green Fields 🍀 802 N 12th St Suite A 🍀 Tampa
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Join us for an Irish celebration
with entertainment by Irish dancers from the Gilleoghan Irish dance company and Irish music from Sean Doyle.
A heavy appetizer buffet will be provided.
The event begins at 6:00 pm.

2024 River O'Green Festival
2024-03-16 10:00 - 18:00 UTC | Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL, 33602, United States
Join Us at the River O’Green Festival

Tampa Sister Cities Committee, Inc. is affiliated with Sister Cities International

The Tampa-South Dublin Sister Cities Committee
invites you to the River O’Green Festival
at
Curtis Hixon Park 🍀 600 N Ashley Dr. 🍀 Tampa
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Join us for an Irish celebration
Free to the Public
River O’ Green
River O’ Green, presented by Grow Financial, is set to return to Tampa’s Downtown on March 16th from 11am – 6pm! River O’ Green is an annual, free event to kick off the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, as the Hillsborough River is transformed into a bright shade of green. This day of festive fun at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park will feature live music, kids activities, food trucks, and of course, beer.
Performance Schedule:

11:15am – 12:45pm: Paddy O’Furniture Performance (Main Stage)
11:30am: TBD (Terrace Stage)
1:00pm: Finnegan Irish Dance Academy Performance (Terrace Stage)
1:15pm – 2:45pm: TBD (Main Stage)
2:30pm: TBD (Terrace Stage)
3:00pm: Finnegan Irish Dance Academy Performance (Terrace Stage)
3:30pm: Pet Costume Contest Sponsored by Barrymore Hotel (Terrace Stage)
4:00pm – 5:00pm: Phoenix Five Performance (Main Stage)

Event Sponsors

Grow Financial
TECO
Freedom Boat Club
Barrymore Hotel
Busch Gardens
Kuducom

Volunteers Needed

I hope this message finds you well and ready for some fun and camaraderie! As you may know, the River O’Green Festival is happening this Saturday, and we are thrilled to announce that Tampa Sister Cities will have a tent at the event! This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the spirit of international friendship and community that lies at the heart of our organization.
However, to make our presence as impactful as possible, we need your help. We are looking for volunteers to help manage our tent throughout the festival, which runs from 11 AM to 6 PM. Whether you’re an experienced volunteer or looking to lend a hand for the first time, we would love to have you join us!
We understand that everyone has busy schedules, so we are looking for volunteers to fill in as many 1-hour gaps as possible. This flexible approach allows you to enjoy the festival and contribute at a time that is most convenient for you. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the form below to select your preferred hour(s). Your time and enthusiasm will greatly contribute to the success of our tent and the festival as a whole.
This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with the community, meet new people, and enjoy the festivities. Plus, volunteering with Tampa Sister Cities is always a fun and rewarding experience. Don’t miss out on being part of something special this weekend!
Thank you for considering this opportunity to volunteer and support Tampa Sister Cities. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let’s make the River O’Green Festival a memorable event for our community and visitors alike!

Name

First

Last
Email

PhoneHours

10AM – 11AM

11AM – 12PM

12PM – 1PM

1PM – 2PM

2PM – 3PM

3PM – 4PM

4PM – 5PM

5PM – 6PM

13th Annual Brazilian Festival
2024-05-18 12:00 - 23:00 UTC | Water Works Park, 1710 N. Highland Ave., Tampa, 33602, United States
Since its start in 2012, the Annual Brazilian Festival® in Florida has become the state’s largest community event, symbolizing Brazil’s vibrant culture and musical diversity. It features famous Brazilian artists, promotes unity, and raises environmental awareness. The festival offers a deep dive into Brazilian arts, culture, and traditions with international acts, samba dancers, children’s rides, exhibitors, and Brazilian food from Broward vendors, creating a taste of Brazil. It grows yearly, significantly impacting local music and culture. The Heartbeat Foundation Corp organizes the festival.
For more information, visit the event website at https://www.brazilianfestival.org/tampa/
Date and Time
May 18, 2024, 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Address
1701 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
Tickets
$30-$40

Purchase Tickets Here

Purchase Tickets Here

Tampa Sister Cities Board of Directors Meeting
2024-06-19 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-07-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-08-21 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-09-18 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-10-16 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-11-20 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-12-18 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-02-19 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) and 6 more dates | Shanna & Bryan Glazer JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave., Tampa, FL, 33606, United States

Le Havre Reunion
2024-10-30 18:00 - 21:00 UTC | Boulon, 1001 Water St., Tampa, 33602, United States
Retrouvons-Nous au Havre
Tampa Sister Cities Committee, Inc. is affiliated with Sister Cities International
The Tampa-Le Havre Sister Cities Committeeinvites you to a French reunion
at
Boulon Brasserie1001 Water St.Tampa, FL 33602 Tampa
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Experience an unforgettable evening of French cuisine as we celebrate the anniversary of our 2023 journey to Le Havre! Whether you joined us on the trip or are eager to get involved in future exchanges, this is the perfect opportunity to connect, learn more about our growing activities with Le Havre, and enjoy a preview of what’s to come. Reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and relive the memories through captivating trip photos. Don’t miss out on this special celebration!
Hors D’oeuvresServed family styleSalmon Rillettes, Creme Fraiche, Brioche, Toast, Caviar MainsChoice ofSteak Frites, Hangar, MAitre D’hotel ButterorBoursin Rigatoni, Mushrooms, Blistered Tomatoes, Spinach, Toasted Panko DessertServed family styleProfitéroles
The event begins at 6:00 pm.

2025 TSC Annual Dinner - Barranquilla Hosts
2025-01-22 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | La Pequeña Colombia, 6312 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, 33604
2025 Annual Membership Dinner and Elections

Tampa Sister Cities Committee, Inc. is affiliated with Sister Cities International

Tampa Sister Cities, Inc
cordially invites you to its
Annual Membership Dinner and Elections
Hosted by
The Barranquilla Sister Cities Committee
at
La Pequena Colombia Restaurant
6312 N Armenia Ave 33604
Tampa, Florida
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
6:00 pm: Cash Bar
6:30 pm: Dinner and Elections
The event begins at 6:00 pm.

Live Music

Paula Sofia is a Latin singer originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, now based in Tampa, Florida. She discovered her passion for music at the age of three and began performing at local festivals and events during her teenage years. In 2023, Paula moved to Miami to pursue her professional and music career, quickly gaining attention for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. After relocating to Tampa in 2017, she has become known for her captivating performances, blending Latin rhythms and rock music.
With her infectious energy and heartfelt performances, Paula has built a loyal and growing fan base. As a rising star, she is poised to make a significant impact on the music industry.

Meet the 2025 Tampa Queen of Carnaval

Italian Heritage Celebration
2025-02-02 12:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge, 3315 W. Lemon St., Tampa, FL, 33609, United States
COME CELEBRATE OUR ROOTS

with the Italian Community of Tampa Bay

Sunday, February 2, 2025
February 2, 2025 | 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
In celebration of Agrigento’s nomination as the Cultural Capital of Italy for 2025, and in honor of the enduring 30-year sister city relationship between Agrigento and Tampa, we invite you to join us in commemorating the rich heritage and deep connections between the Italian community in the Tampa Bay area and the people of Agrigento.
The event will feature traditional Italian cuisine from local restaurants, vibrant folkloric dances and music, demonstrations of wine and olive oil production, and much more!
Purchase your tickets now! Don’t forget the TSC promo code to save $5.00: Code is italylove

Purchase Your Tickets

CELEBRATING AGRIGENTO
CULTURAL CAPITAL OF ITALY for 2025
The beautiful Sicilian city of Agrigento, one of Tampa’s 11 Sister Cities, has been awarded the title of Italian Capital of Culture for the year 2025. Special events and celebrations, together with enhanced tourist attractions, will highlight the city’s historic values and natural beauty. As many Tampa natives and longtime residents trace their roots in the Agrigento province, we are honored to join in the festivities and showcase the rich array of activities that the year-long program will offer
CELEBRATING ANCESTRAL TOWNS
FRIENDSHIP CITY AFFILIATION
Approximately 90% of Tampa’s Italian American community traces its ancestry to towns in the Province of Agrigento, like Bivona, Cianciana, Alessandria della Rocca, and Santo Stefano Quisquina. In order to preserve the special friendship that unites the Tampa Bay area with these towns, a new agreement is about to be signed to formalize relations between Tampa and our ancestral Sicilian towns. The official affiliation agreement will be formally signed in Tampa during this event. The aim is to foment tourism, educational and cultural exchange programs, and trade

AUGMENTED REALITY
TRAVEL BACK IN TIME
Thanks to the extraordinary work of faculty and students of the USF Institute of Digital Exploration, time travel is never been closer. Employing cutting-edge technology, IDEx teams have spent countless hours 3D mapping monuments, objects, and archaeological sites to let “digital explorers” experience a full immersion in our history. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit the past, listen to scholars sharing stories about their findings, and watch ancient jewelry and everyday objects being 3D-printed back to life under your very eyes!
TASTE OF ITALY
IN FOOD WE TRUST
The Italian heritage we all know and love is the taste of timeless Italian culinary specialties! Several renowned local restaurants will bring their most cherished dishes to delight us with their cuisine. Delicious samplings of Italian antipasto items and sips of wine, also available for purchase through donations to the Sons of Italy Lodge, will be offered in our tasting areas

TRADITIONAL DANCE PERFORMANCES
Sicily is a magical place, rich in history and filled with colors, fragrances, silences, and sounds. Travel with us into the sound of this region with traditional Sicilian dances to be performed by the students of ON THE EDGE @FRANKREYDANCE STUDIO
MILLENARY WELLNESS: OLIVE OIL
Olive oil has been around at least since 4000 BC, and it is considered a staple ingredient of the Mediterranean diet. Learn with us how pure Extra Virgin Olive Oil is made in Italy to this day, and taste its flavors with COSTIERA Extra Virgin Olive Oil

IN VINO VERITAS
WINE TRADITIONS
How is sweet or dry wine made? Why does it turn into vinegar if not carefully produced? PARDO WINE GRAPES will display and share wine-making tools and methods and the folk science behind its thousand-year old history
LANDSCAPES AND FLAVORS
A MAGICAL TRIP
Distinguished USF Professor Santo V. Nicosia, author of “Travels and Food for Body and Soul” will join us to sign his book and tell us about his long journeys throughout Southern Italy and his explorations of the Mediterranean diet

ITALIAN STUDIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL HUMANITIES
Italian Studies at USF, singlehandedly founded by Prof. LaTrecchia in 2004, allows students to gain proficiency in Italian language and acquire a thorough knowledge of Italian cultural history in a transnational perspective. The courses provide a multidisciplinary approach to the study of food culture as well as environmental issues. The program prepares students to become receptive to the global concerns of our society increasing their capabilities in writing, speaking, intercultural literacy, and effective citizenship, all skills that are useful in a variety of professions.
Purchase your tickets now! Don’t forget the TSC promo code to save $5.00: Code is italylove

Purchase Your Tickets

Sponsors

2025 River O'Green Festival
2025-03-15 10:00 - 18:00 UTC | Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL, 33602, United States
Join Us at the River O’Green Festival

Tampa Sister Cities Committee, Inc. is affiliated with Sister Cities International

The Tampa-South Dublin Sister Cities Committee
invites you to the River O’Green Festival
at
Curtis Hixon Park 🍀 600 N Ashley Dr. 🍀 Tampa
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Join us for an Irish celebration
Free to the Public
River O’ Green
River O’ Green, presented by Grow Financial, is set to return to Tampa’s Downtown on March 16th from 11am – 6pm! River O’ Green is an annual, free event to kick off the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, as the Hillsborough River is transformed into a bright shade of green. This day of festive fun at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park will feature live music, kids activities, food trucks, and of course, beer.
Performance Schedule:

11:00AM – Event & River Coloring Begins
Main Stage:
11:15AM-12:45PM – Irish Buskers (Live Music)
1:15-2:45PM – Paddy O’Furniture (Live Music)
3:30PM – Pet Costume Contest – sponsored by Barrymore Hotel
4:00PM-5:45PM – George Pennington & The Odyssey (Live Music)
Terrace Stage:
11:30AM – GrowHouse Tampa Poet Performance
1:00PM – Finnegan Irish Dance Academy Performance
2:30PM – GrowHouse Tampa Poet Performance
3:00PM – Finnegan Irish Dance Academy Performance
6:00PM – Event Concludes

Event Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor – Grow Financial
TECO
Pirate Water Taxi
The Lost Pearl
Craft Tampa
Freedom Boat Club
Barrymore Hotel
iHeart Radio
Busch Gardens
Kuducom

Volunteers Needed

I hope this message finds you well and ready for some fun and camaraderie! As you may know, the River O’Green Festival is happening this Saturday, and we are thrilled to announce that Tampa Sister Cities will have a tent at the event! This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the spirit of international friendship and community that lies at the heart of our organization.
However, to make our presence as impactful as possible, we need your help. We are looking for volunteers to help manage our tent throughout the festival, which runs from 11 AM to 6 PM. Whether you’re an experienced volunteer or looking to lend a hand for the first time, we would love to have you join us!
We understand that everyone has busy schedules, so we are looking for volunteers to fill in as many 1-hour gaps as possible. This flexible approach allows you to enjoy the festival and contribute at a time that is most convenient for you. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the form below to select your preferred hour(s). Your time and enthusiasm will greatly contribute to the success of our tent and the festival as a whole.
This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with the community, meet new people, and enjoy the festivities. Plus, volunteering with Tampa Sister Cities is always a fun and rewarding experience. Don’t miss out on being part of something special this weekend!
Thank you for considering this opportunity to volunteer and support Tampa Sister Cities. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Let’s make the River O’Green Festival a memorable event for our community and visitors alike!

Name

First

Last
Email

PhoneHours

11AM – 12PM [Unavailable]

12PM – 1PM [Unavailable]

1PM – 2PM [Unavailable]

2PM – 3PM [Unavailable]

3PM – 4PM [Unavailable]

4PM – 5PM [Unavailable]

5PM – 6PM [Unavailable]

2025 U.S.-Japan Sister Cities Summit
2025-09-16 - 2025-09-19 | Izumisano City, Japan, Izumisano, Japan
