While snow fell on Feb. 23, the Ferris community celebrated the 35th International Festival of Cultures in the David Eisler Center ballrooms.
Volunteers and staff dressed in traditional clothing mingled with students and families. The samples of cultural foods were accompanied by various events like a piñata and dancing.
by Ferris students. Photo by: Shaunti’ara Reynolds |Torch Photographer
Alongside the cultural foods, the festival offered interactive activities for attendees to engage with, such as traditional games and educational displays. In the game corner, several types of traditional games from other countries could be played by attendees. Student-made posters and displays lined the hallway outside the ballroom, providing facts about the various countries.
The festival, sponsored by the college’s Office of the President, is popular and gathers a large crowd yearly. The fact that it coincided with Family and Friends Weekend allowed students’ families to join the festivities. The “travel” theming provided an entertaining background for an international festival.
A volunteer from the Hispanic Culture Center Massiel Calderon dressed her daughters and herself in clothing representing their Dominican culture.
“I think it’s a great time for Ferris to showcase diversity in other countries from around the world. And what better way to say that than through food,” Calderon said.
Sharing cultural foods is a simple way to bring together a community. For 10 dollars, you could receive a punch card of 10 samples, making it affordable for students and large groups.
Computer information systems junior Lucy Tran enjoyed being able to experience familiar foods from home.
“I’m from Vietnam and this festival reminds me of my culture and the food is much better than the Rock Café,” Tran said.
Celebrations of culture provide an opportunity for intercultural exchange and understanding. The entire Big Rapids community can get involved with this event. The large variety of dishes offered allows attendees to connect with different cultures.
Each meal tells a story and represents a piece of our identity. Without these foods, cultural festivals would lose their authenticity and depth.
Sharing that feeling of unity amongst others can help beat late winter blues and midterm studying stress. For some, the food offered a sense of comfort and gave attendees a chance to experience dishes they may share with family at home.
Radiography sophomore Sarah Henry knows that feeling all too well.
“My sister makes a lot of food from other cultures and it feels like I’m eating her food again,” Henry said.
The festival fosters unity and learning within the community. By experiencing the new foods, the community can gain a greater appreciation for diversity and learn more about our global community.
The International Festival of Cultures offers a unique experience to students who would otherwise not be exposed to other cultures. At a dollar a sample, this event was an affordable taste of international culture. It served as a fantastic way to experience part of another’s heritage.
These immersive events showcase a variety of traditions, such as dancing, music, food and art. From colorful costumes to lively performances, there was something for everyone to enjoy. In a world where cultural understanding is more important than ever, events like the International Festival of Cultures offer us a chance to bridge divides and celebrate what makes each of us unique.