Groups in his district say he has rarely participated in even the rudimentary rituals of elected office: ethnic celebrations, neighborhood groups and community board meetings.

Mr. Hevesi has 14 ethnic celebrations each year, costing about $800 apiece.

There are many other such religious and ethnic celebrations in the United States.

In the past, though, even foul weather has not dampened spirits at the city's longest-running ethnic celebration.

Last year, the festivities were televised locally, giving the celebration media visibility on a par with the St. Patrick's Day Parade and other ethnic celebrations.

The village has large Italian and Greek populations, and their annual ethnic celebrations draw thousands of visitors.

More recently, the dances are performed at weddings, concerts, festivals or ethnic celebrations.

Part of the culture of the people of Lebak are the celebration of fiesta ( religious and ethnic celebration).

Another ethnic celebration will be held in Bay Ridge on Sunday, to mark the 173d anniversary of the Norwegian Constitution.

Our plan is to get out and cover country fairs, art festivals, ethnic celebrations, various cultural activities and other community affairs.