SAN MARCOS — The sounds of bagpipes, Arabic guitars and Hawaiian drums filled the air April 13 at the annual San Marcos Carnival of Cultures held in the Civic Center courtyard. The one-day event featured displays, dancing, music and food presented by representatives from North County’s ethnic communities.

Although the international news is often filled with strife and turmoil, the carnival was, in contrast, a harmonious scene, with everyone working together to make an enjoyable event.

The nearly 500-strong Serbian community in San Marcos was represented at the event by a food booth and the Avala Folklore Ensemble, which put on a series of native dances.

Serbia has been in the news again lately because of the recent Kosovo declaration of independence, but Avala Folklore Ensemble director Lilly Pantovich said their group doesn’t mix culture and politics.

“I want them to know as much as possible to keep their tradition and know who they are, (but) I never go into politics because each family has their own opinions,” Pantovich said. “I told them, ‘You can wear T-shirts which say “Serbia” on them so people know you represent Serbia, but nothing political. It’s not appropriate.’”

Shai Cooper, who represented the Israeli community, has made it his mission to introduce the traditional dances of Israel to the people of North County.

“When he told me what he wanted to do, I told him I didn’t support it,” said Anait Cooper, Shai Cooper’s mother. She said that she felt there were no Israelis and hardly and Jews in the area and that it wouldn’t take off.

Currently Shai Cooper is the youngest instructor at Palomar College where he teaches dance to packed classes. Anait Cooper pointed out that most of his students are Christians who love Israel and want to learn what it is all about.

One of Shai Cooper’s dancers, henna tattoo artist Calle Blue, made her second home at the Palestinian booth, which was similarly absent of politics. The pavilion featured native clothes, a demonstration of Arabic tea and music.

On a more political note, directly across from the “China without Communist Propaganda” booth, representatives of the Global Human Rights Torch Relay urged event attendees to petition against the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing.

“We’re not asking for a boycott but just for China to keep its promise to improve human rights,” said Gisela Sommer, Human Rights Torch Relay organizer for San Diego. “I grew up in Germany right after World War II where they said ‘Never again.’ I’ve never been an activist of any sort, but now I feel in my older years I have to do something to ensure the safety of my grandchildren.”

Of course, not all places represented at the carnival were political hot spots.

There hasn’t been an independent kingdom of Hawaii for more than 100 years, but the Halau Hula Na Lei ‘O Liana attended in full-force anyway, showcasing Hawaiian music and dancing the hula. Hawaiians form a sizeable community in California — especially in San Diego where the surf, weather, and laid back attitude is similar to the idyll of Hawaii.

Offering Swedish sweets and playing ABBA, homestay organization Education First gave booth visitors information about hosting one of the 25 Swedish high school students who will visit San Diego this summer.

“It’s about staying and getting the culture from the American host family. Living with the family for a month and seeing what they do on a daily basis. What’s different in our life from their life,” said Shelly Nestved, area manager.