Mar 9, 20234 min read

Culture Fest: Celebrating Diversity and Multiculturalism at GCU

Updated: Apr 8, 2023

Culture Fest is an annual event that celebrates the diversity and multiculturalism of the Grand Canyon University (GCU) community. This event, organized by the Multicultural Office, is the biggest of the semester and showcases more than 25 countries through a variety of activities and performances. Culture Fest is part of Culture Week, a series of events designed to promote cultural awareness and understanding on campus. At Culture Fest, students have the opportunity to share their knowledge and experiences of their home countries, while also enjoying traditional performances and international cuisine. This event not only celebrates the differences that make us unique, but also highlights the commonalities that bring us together as a global community. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the highlights of Culture Fest and explore the importance of celebrating diversity and multiculturalism in today's world.

Event Overview:

Culture Fest is a vibrant event that brings together students, staff, and faculty from different cultures to celebrate their diversity. The event was held on Wednesday in GCU Arena, where a lively and colorful atmosphere welcomed everyone. The event featured more than 25 countries, with each country having a booth that displayed information about its culture, traditions, and history. Students were able to interact with one another and share their cultural experiences while learning about other cultures.

The event was not only informative but also entertaining. The performances included traditional Hawaiian dances, mariachi music, African and Indian dances, and other cultural performances that captivated the audience. The performances showcased the beauty of different cultures and how they differ from one another. The dances and music were not only entertaining but also educational as they conveyed the values and beliefs of the cultures they represented.

In addition to the performances, international cuisine was served, giving attendees the opportunity to taste different foods from different cultures. The food was prepared by students who volunteered their time to showcase their culture's traditional dishes. This not only allowed students to experience different flavors but also brought them closer to the different cultures represented at the event.

Overall, Culture Fest was a colorful and vibrant event that celebrated the beauty and diversity of different cultures. It was a unique opportunity for students to come together and learn about each other's cultures while also sharing their own. The event left a lasting impression on everyone who attended, fostering a sense of community and respect for different cultures.

Student Speakers:

One of the highlights of Culture Fest was the student speakers who shared their experiences and knowledge about their home countries. The student speakers were from different parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. They shared interesting facts about their cultures, including their history, traditions, and values.

The student speakers' presentations covered a variety of topics, including the arts, fashion, and food. For example, a student from China shared information about traditional Chinese dance, while a student from Brazil talked about the country's famous carnival festival. The presentations were not only informative but also engaging as they were delivered in a fun and interactive way.

The student speakers' presentations provided attendees with a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures from the perspective of someone who grew up in that culture. This allowed attendees to gain a deeper understanding of the values, beliefs, and traditions of different cultures, fostering a sense of empathy and appreciation for diversity.

Traditional Performances:

Culture Fest featured a range of traditional performances that showcased the beauty of different cultures. The performances were a blend of music, dance, and art that captivated the audience and brought the event to life.

The Hawaiian dance performance, for example, was a beautiful display of the culture's hula dance, which tells stories through hand gestures and body movements. The mariachi music performance showcased the energy and passion of Mexican music, while the African and Indian dance performances celebrated the diversity and richness of these cultures.

The traditional performances not only entertained but also educated attendees on the different cultural practices and beliefs of different countries. The performances showed how art, music, and dance are used to express different cultural values, beliefs, and traditions.

International Cuisine

Another highlight of Culture Fest was the international cuisine that was served at the event. The food was prepared by students who volunteered their time to showcase their country's traditional dishes. The dishes were a mix of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that represented the different regions of the world.

The food was not only delicious but also a reflection of each culture's history and traditions. For example, the Indian cuisine showcased the country's rich spice history, while the Mexican cuisine highlighted the country's love of bold and spicy flavors.

The international cuisine not only allowed attendees to experience different flavors but also provided a unique opportunity for students to share their culture's traditional dishes with others. This encouraged a sense of community and respect for different cultures, allowing attendees to gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of different cuisines.

Importance of Celebrating Diversity

Culture Fest is more than just an event; it is a celebration of the diversity and multiculturalism that makes the GCU community unique. The event provides a platform for students to share their knowledge and experiences of their home countries while also learning about other cultures.

In today's world, where diversity and multiculturalism are increasingly under threat, events like Culture Fest play a crucial role in promoting cultural awareness and understanding. Celebrating diversity not only fosters a sense of community and respect for different cultures but also allows individuals to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Culture Fest is a testament to the GCU community's commitment to diversity and inclusion. The event showcases the university's efforts to create an environment that values and embraces differences, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance for all students, staff, and faculty.