Global Grooves: Rhythms of the Game

Global Grooves: Rhythms of the Game is a free, all-ages outdoor celebration inspired by the excitement, rhythm, and cultural pride surrounding the world’s love of fútbol. Join us and our event partners Event Them at Somerville City Hall on Saturday, July 11, from 12-4 PM (severe weather date: July 12) for an afternoon filled with music, movement, food, and community.

The event brings together global music traditions and soccer culture through live performances, percussion, dance, soccer juggling, interactive activities, and collaborations featuring artists from across cultures and genres. Guests can enjoy food, performances, and experiences that reflect the many vibrant communities that call Somerville home.

Timed alongside the excitement of the quarter finals happening in our region, Global Grooves creates a joyful space for residents and visitors to gather, celebrate diversity, and connect through shared cultural traditions, music, and play.

Food at Global Grooves:

The Karis Haitian Cuisine: Maritza is a Haitian chef who specializes in Haitian patties (similar to an empanada) and a dish called Griyo et Banan, fried pork belly with crispy green plantains, which is served with pikliz, Haiti’s famous spicy cabbage slaw.

Tia Maria’s Latin American Cuisine: Latin American and Guatemalan home-style cooking with Chef Yesenia’s distinctive spins! Chef Yessi will be making tostadas with fresh guacamole and a variety of toppings, fresh fruit salad with cucumber and tajin, and delicious flavored lemonades. 

Accessibility Needs:

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should contact the ADA Coordinator in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 [email protected].

The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter in your language for free. To request an interpreter, please contact us at [email protected] or call 311 (617-666-3311) at least 7 days in advance of this event.

Co-Producer of Event:

EventThem is a Somerville-based event production company that creates community-centered experiences celebrating culture, creativity, and connection. Through festivals, concerts, public events, and cultural programming, EventThem works with artists, organizations, businesses, and municipalities throughout Greater Boston to bring people together and create memorable experiences.