Four student organizations will co-host NSU’s first Cultural Night, a night of food, friends and dance on Oct. 24, 6 to 9 p.m., at the outdoor basketball courts of the Don Taft University Center Recreational Complex.
The idea for Cultural Night was born through collaboration between the Caribbean Student Association, the Indian Student Association, the Pakistani Student Association and Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach, a Jewish organization. For the first time, all of these organizations have come together to put on a celebration for the NSU community.
Cultural Night is designed to be an educational experience for students to learn about different cultures and, possibly, explore their own cultures, while having fun.
Public Relations Officer of the Caribbean Student Association Cardesha Lyons, sophomore sports and recreation management major, sees Cultural Night as an opportunity for everyone to come together as one, regardless of their ethnic background.
“You don’t have to be Caribbean or a part of any of the other cultures participating. You can just come out to learn about different people and get some free food and see some great performances,” said Lyons.
Traditional music of the West Indies and the spices of Pakistani cuisine will collide, as the night will include popular dishes from each of the cultures represented. The Caribbean Student Association will have food provided by Bahama Breeze, along with vendors from the Jerk Festival, while the Indian Student Association will be giving out samosas, an Indian pastry consisting of mixed vegetables and spices wrapped in a tortilla
Throughout the event, members of the various student groups will speak with participants and show off poster presentations on their culture. The Caribbean Student Association and the Indian Student Association will also present dance performances.
Meera Bhalani, event coordinator for the Indian Student Association, wants students to have a better understanding of Indian culture.
“We’ll be having the Indian Student Association’s Maasti Dance Team perform, so that students will be able to know the type of dance that represents our culture,” said Bhalani.
The event is free, so students are heavily encouraged to participate.
Lyons said, “People always wants to learn about new cultures, and this a night where they can do just that. It’ll be a great environment where everyone will be dancing and having a good time. Performers might even go into the audience and pull people to dance with them. We want students to taste our dishes, ask questions about our culture and just be themselves.”
For more information on Culture night, contact Lyons at cl1206@nova.edu.
