To demonstrate the City of Burien’s commitment to being a welcoming city for immigrants and refugees, the City in partnership with Discover Burien is launching the inaugural “Welcoming Burien: Celebrating Culture and Community” event on Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. This event will take place in Burien's Town Square Park and will coincide with Welcoming America’s Welcoming Week. Celebrated across the country, the purpose of the annual Welcoming Week is to elevate a spirit of unity that shows the successful multi-racial democracy we can be if everyone truly belongs in the places they call home, including immigrants and refugees. The City of Burien wants to build bridges within our community and inspire goodwill between neighbors.

The free, family-friendly event will highlight Burien’s varied cultures from around the world. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to music, learn to play a game from another country, and enjoy foods from many cultures. There will also be a Meet Your Neighbors area to showcase our community partners and raise awareness among immigrants and refugees about resources available to them. This will be an outdoor event with COVID-19 safety precautions in place.

“Immigrants are a vital part of our community, bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas, starting businesses, and contributing to the vibrant diversity that we all value,” said Burien Mayor Jimmy Matta. “The City of Burien recognizes that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences makes our community richer and stronger and enhances Burien’s cultural fabric and economic growth.”

The Burien City Council approved City of Burien becoming a member of the Welcoming America Network this July and issued a proclamation in support of Welcoming Week.

More information at burienwa.gov/welcoming.

About the City of Burien

The City of Burien is a vibrant and creative community, where the residents embrace diversity, celebrate arts and culture, promote vitality, and treasure the environment. For more information, visit burienwa.gov.

About Discover Burien

Discover Burien is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) service organization dedicated to economic development and community engagement in Burien. Our vision is to shape the future of our community to ensure it is prosperous, sustainable and thriving. For more information, visit discoverburien.org.

About Welcoming Week

Since 2012, Welcoming Week has served as the annual campaign and celebration led by Welcoming America to showcase the growing movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants. By fostering mutual respect and cooperation between new and long-time residents, Welcoming Week brings together people across lines of difference toward greater prosperity for all. Learn more at welcomingweek.org.