Each year, the Banana Festival celebrates community, culture and health right here in Sacramento. The Banana Festival celebrates healthy lifestyles and eating as well as the many cultures in Asia, Africa and the Americas which use the banana as a source of food, art and culture. With a starting budget raised from bake sales, garage sales and local sponsors and loads of volunteers, 2010 welcomed the very first Banana Festival on the West Coast. An extensive lineup of music, art, food and entertainment was held at Consumnes River College in Sacramento, California to the enjoyment of over 2,000 adults and 900 kids. As a result about $6,000 was raised to support the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum (SOJO), the National Academic Youth Corps and 5 other local non-profits.

The Banana Festival has its roots in the SOJO Fine Arts Festival, which had been held for 7 years with the goal of increasing community awareness of historical and cultural values. This year we have changed locations to William Land Park, increased the amount of banana foods available and anticipate over 5,000 attendees as we reach out to a larger audience and offer a wide range of attractions that reflect the many cultural groups living in the Sacramento area.

The mission and goal of the Banana Festival is to enhance the community’s knowledge of art culture and wellness in an elaborate, positive and fun environment. The Banana Festival desires to inspire, ignite and enrich our community by making the festival accessible and affordable to a wide range of participants. With free parking and a low entrance fee all weekend long, we hope to provide an opportunity for the community to unite and work towards the stability, development and vitality of cultural history, arts and artists.

So mark your calendars and come enjoy this event which you wont want to miss!

The Amazing Banana

Some Interesting Banana Facts:

Americans eat as many bananas as apples and oranges combined.

In rural Africa, bananas are often used as money and can pay off loans.

There are over 1,000 types of bananas in the world. India has the most varieties of bananas (670+).

Bananas can be found in just about every color including red, orange, purple, green, yellow – and when extra ripe, brown.

In Japan, banana plant cultivation for paper, clothing and textile use dates back to at least the 13th century.

Banana ketchup is a popular Filipino condiment made from mashed banana, sugar, vinegar and spices.

Unlike most other fruits that grow on trees, bananas grow on plants – they are technically berries.

The “Cavendish” banana is the most popular fruit in the world. Its predecessor, the larger and more tasty “Gros Michel” was America’s most popular banana until its near extinction in 1960.

Health Benefits of the Banana:

Anemia: High in iron,and stimulates the production of hemoglobin in the blood.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure.

Bone Health: Bananas can help improve your body’s ability to absorb calcium.

Brain Power: Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making those who eat them more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber and helps restore normal bowel action.

Depression: Bananas contain tryptophan, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in them, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness

Mosquito bites: Try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin to reduce redness and swelling.

Anxiety: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.