Exotic food, energetic dancing, colorful clothing, and lively music: that’s what visitors to the Rensselaer Union found on Saturday, October 14 during Family Weekend. The 18th International Festival exposed students, alumni, and their friends and families to just a few of the many cultures that make up the RPI community.
The annual celebration of diversity revolved around food and performances provided by the student cultural groups. Tables lined the perimeter of the McNeil Room and more than 20 student cultural organizations were represented. On the tables were pictures, artifacts, and aromatic dishes that were native to the featured cultures. At the center of the room was an open area for the performances.
Although the event was free, the food did cost money. The price, however, was practically a steal for the delicious delicacies that were served. A perfect break from lunch at Commons, the festival offered food for all tastes. Samosa and mango juice from the Pakistani Student Association, Tres Leches (Three Milks Cake) from Alianza Latina, Baklava from Morocco and Turkey, and Kheer (rice pudding) from the Indian Student Association barely begin the list.
A special aspect of this year’s festival was the International Cookbook. Those in attendance had the opportunity to pick up a small cookbook containing recipes for traditional dishes from nations such as Syria, Panama, and Canada. In addition, as they visited the tables set up by the student organizations, attendees could pick up more recipes for the dishes that were being served.
In addition to serving traditional dishes, certain tables also provided Festival attendees with a sample of their cultures they could take home.
The Rensselaer Muslim Women Association and Hong Kong Student Association both offered name writing in Arabic and Chinese calligraphy, respectively, while the Rensselaer Bengali Community exhibited the art of Mehndi, or henna body art.
At the center of the festival, there were live performances by the student organizations. The audience was not let down by the vivid traditional clothing and energetic music. Demonstrations, dances, and live music drew the crowds into the celebration. Included in the featured shows were the Chinese Student and Scholar Association, Greek dancers, the Indian Student Association, the Nigerian Student Association, the Turkish Student Association, the Philippine American League, and Columbian dancers.
One performance that was exceptionally exciting was that of the Philippine American League. While rhythmically tapping long poles against the floor, people danced in and out of them to the beat. As the music quickened, so did the speed of the dancers’ feet until it appeared that they were hovering over the ground. At the end of their demonstration, the performers invited audience members to come and try the basic moves. Among those that took up the challenge was none other than President Shirley Ann Jackson, who gave it a try.
Between the performances there were fashion shows in which students in traditional dress would model their outfits. The exquisite and ornate fashions of India, Malaysia, Morocco, and China all made it down the runway with style.
Overall, the International Festival was a success in celebrating Rensselaer’s diversity. In addition to the great food, there was plenty of entertainment for visiting family and friends. The groups that participated raised money for future cultural events, so look for their performances and dinners in the future.
