This week, our global citizen Nari Safavi is here to help us plan your international weekend. Nari is president of Pasfarda Arts and Cultural Exchange. Brian von Rueden, artistic director of Vox 3 Collective, contributes. Today we’ll celebrate St. Patrick’s day, the Persian New Year, and Bulgarian art.

First up, we have a

St. Patrick’s Day celebration with some very German flair. This Saturday at 7:30 pm, Vox 3 Collective is partnering with Dank Haus, Chicago’s German American cultural center, to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with their cultural fusion event Erin Go Berlin. The Vox 3 Collective fuses combines folk music with classical German composers like Beethoven to bring us a totally original performance. If you’re looking for an event sooner, Dank Haus is also hosting McStammtisch, another St. Patrick’s Day event tonight 7:30. This event involves playing a mix of Irish and German songs on Irish bagpipes. There is no cover. Dank Haus is located in Lincoln Square at 4740 North Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625.

This weekend m

arks the beginning of festivities celebrating the Persian New Year, Nowruz. On Sunday, March 18th from 5-9 pm, the Libertyville Civic Center will be hosting its annual Nowruz Celebration in Chicago. Dr. Ahmad Sadri will be making a presentation on his translation of the Shahnameh project. The official beginning of the Persian New Year comes with the Spring solstice.

Lastly, there is

an Bulgarian art exhibit at the Ukrainian National Museum. Tonight’s exhibit opening begins at 7pm and includes a performance of traditional Bulgarian national dancing. You can also go Saturday and Sunday from 11am-5pm. Children under 12 are free. The exhibit runs through March 25th. The museum is in Ukranian Village on Chicago Avenue. This Sunday, from 2-4pm, museum-goers will have a chance to meet the artists.

Happy travels!