Let's connect globally: Festival of Cultures is Nov. 17

The Festival of Cultures at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University is celebrating its 21^st occurrence on Saturday, Nov. 17.

This year’s festival begins at 5 p.m. at Haehn Campus Center and Clemens Field House, CSB, with a few new changes from previous events to connect more closely with the institutions’ learning goals and the theme of “Co-Creating Community.” The event is free and open to the public.

So, what’s different about this year’s Festival of Cultures?

• Booth hosts will be in front of their booths engaging and having conversations with guests, all in an effort to create community and allow for guests to experience more opportunities to learn about the cultures represented. Volunteers will serve food from 5-6 p.m. behind booths.
• There will be a drawing for international- and intercultural-themed prizes (valued at $500) at the end of evening. You must be present to win.

The Festival of Cultures is an appreciation and celebration of some of the many cultures present at CSB/SJU through performances, conversations learning and delicious food.

Past student performances include traditional Bahamian, Chinese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Hmong, Indian, Japanese, and Indian dances, as well as Latino, Chinese, and Hmong songs. In 2017, over 30 cultures were represented, including Bahamas, Ireland, China, Ethiopia, Japan, Poland, Mexico, Yup'ik Alaska Native and South Korea.

The festival also includes students from the United States who have strong affinity to other countries, as well as varying cultures within the United States.