Every year Blackburn College students attend a multicultural celebration that celebrates regions from all over the world known as The Festival of Nations. This event is co hosted by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Student Success and any student is welcome to attend. The festival was held Saturday Aug. 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Festival of Nations was held in Tower Grove Park in St. Louis, Missouri.
According to the information on the Festival of Nations website, this multicultural festival featured more than forty booths, free dance lessons, performances, music, arts and crafts, food and an international bazaar with unique gifts from around the world.
According to the website annually the International Institute produces the festival in collaboration with more than one-hundred local ethnic and international organizations. Cultures to learn about include African, Caribbean/Oceanic, European, Middle Eastern and many others. There are many booths with people from all over the world.
One of the booths is a cultural organization for Iranians. The Iranian American Cultural Society is where Iranian members contribute by donating things like food to other organizations. “Iranians participate in tons of dancing, music festivals, and cultural outreach events,” said Shelini, who is a leader of the society. According to Shelini Iranians celebrate Shabeh Yalda which is where they sit outside until midnight and have a feast. Shabeh Yalda is celebrated on the longest night of fall. Another event Iranians celebrate is called Chaharshanbe Suri which is a festival where people jump over fire to celebrate new years. The main goal of the “Iranian American Cultural Society is to bring different cultures together,” said Shelini.
Blackburn student Elizaveta Wethington has been to The Festival of Nations six times. She stated that the festival is a family tradition. Wethington started Russian dance when she was eight years old and performed when she was older at the festival. ‘’I feel closer to my Russian heritage when doing Russian dance and eating Russian food at this festival,’’ stated Wethington. Wethington stated that she likes the dancing and the coconut milk. Wethington enjoys going and performing Russian dance.
Blackburn students got the opportunity to learn more about what different cultures are like and what they celebrate. Festival of Nations is a great opportunity to learn, shop, eat and have fun with many different ethnicities.