Source: The Xavierite
Three events took place to share different cultures with the SXU community.
Each event gave students a chance to experience cultures that may be new to them!
Arab Fest, hosted by SXU Students for Justice in Palestine, took place on Schmitt Quad from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday Sep. 28. Students were able to try food from different countries in Palestine. There were tables set up with desserts, snacks or dinners to taste.
“This is an event that represents different countries in Palestine. For us to be able to represent our culture means a lot to us and everyone. It’s good for people to learn about different cultures,” says an SXU student.
One dish that students enjoyed at this event was Dawali. Dawali is a traditional Palestinian dish that is made with grape leaves and stuffed with meat. This dish was created around 335 BC and is still shared to this day among different cultures.
“My best friend is actually from Palestine so I have always loved eating Dawali, which is my favorite. I’ve been eating it since I got to the event,” another student added.
Some students and families brought traditional dresses to show, and one table offered henna tattoos.
The henna tattoos were the most popular at this event. Students waited patiently in line to try out a new design.
Traditional music played as students, family, and staff ate and talked with one another. Dancers came to perform some traditional dances as well.
Students provided positive feedback and all seemed to enjoy learning something new.
“It’s always a good experience going to events for different cultures. It’s nice learning about different countries and trying their food. It’s been a great experience so far learning other people’s lifestyles,” says a student attending Arab Fest.
The second event that took place was the Fiesta de la Familia. This took place in the Mercy Ministry Center from 4-7:30 p.m on Friday Sep. 28.
Fiesta De La Familia was held to celebrate the Latinx heritage month.
This gave first year families an opportunity to get together and know each other while also celebrating a culture, creating a space to build connections with SXU’s community and a sense of belonging.
“It’s important to learn about other cultures because then we understand each other better. We have a chance to grow by meeting other people and learning about their lives. I think it’s a great learning experience. It’s a lot of fun when you try new foods, customs and music,” says Interim President Rebecca Sherrick, Ph.D.
Food from different Latin American countries was provided for families to try as well as some cultural music playing while people socialized with one another.
During the fiesta, the Latinx Heritage Month Committee also provided a piñata for families to enjoy. In Latin communities, the piñata is used to represent fertility, joy, and life. They are usually filled with treats or a small prize that is freed after hitting the piñata with a stick.
Students were happy to learn new things about their peers’ cultures. “I think it’s good to experience different cultures. The fact that the school took time out of their day to organize and orchestrate an event like this is great and makes people feel included,” says an SXU student.
Another Cultural event that took place was the Day of the Dead – Dia de los Muertos Altar Building on Monday Oct. 2 in the Butler Reception Lobby. Students were invited to help build a Day of the Dead ofrenda.
An ofrenda is an altar which is built to honor loved ones that have passed away. Often ofrendas have offerings to help remember them. Some ofrendas may contain the departed’s picture, personal belongings, favorite food, and drinks.
Students provided positive feedback on both events and are looking forward to more cultural events SXU’s community has to offer.
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