Celebrating cultural heritage, building international friendship, and strengthening community through shared traditions.

St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society (SPIFFS) is an independent, multi-ethnic organization founded in 1975 as an umbrella organization of cultural groups that joined together to present a festival during the U.S. Bicentennial era.

For decades, SPIFFS has created welcoming spaces for people of all backgrounds to come together, learn, and share the beauty of diverse traditions through festivals, educational programming, and cultural exchange.

The SPIFFS – Anna Trakas Endowment Fund supports the long-term sustainability of SPIFFS’ work, honoring Anna Trakas’ memory while helping ensure that cultural connection and understanding continue for generations.

The SPIFFS – Anna Trakas Endowment Fund is established to provide ongoing support for SPIFFS programs and cultural initiatives, including:

• Community-wide cultural festivals and events that celebrate Tampa Bay’s diverse cultural heritages
• Educational opportunities that promote cultural understanding and unity
• Cultural exchange efforts and collaborative projects that strengthen local and global ties
• Long-term organizational sustainability through a permanent endowment at Pinellas Community Foundation

SPIFFS is best known for its annual Folk Fair, where member groups highlight culture through crafts, foods, and entertainment. SPIFFS and its member groups also support the community through services that extend beyond the festival.

• The Speakers Bureau: Folk artists and cultural resource volunteers visit schools and community venues to share heritage, music, dance, arts and crafts, and sometimes ethnic food specialties.
• The Language Bank: More than 100 individuals across 30+ languages and dialects serve as translators and interpreters for courts, hospitals, schools, and local officials.
• Folk Dance Groups: Many member groups have dance groups available to perform throughout the community.

Sister Cities and Cultural Exchange

SPIFFS supports cultural exchange through St. Petersburg’s Sister Cities work and has been appointed by the City of St. Petersburg to support and manage the Sister Cities and Student Ambassador programs.

Learn more about SPIFFS at spiffs.org.

How You Can Help

• Make a gift today: Your donation supports SPIFFS programs now and builds stability for the future through the endowment.
• Give in memory or honor: Tribute gifts help celebrate the people and stories that keep cultural heritage alive.
• Share the opportunity: Invite friends, family, and community partners to support cultural understanding in Pinellas County.