Celebrating International Multicultural Diversity at Chico State

Demonstrating and promoting the diversity of culture at California State University, Chico, and with the aim of creating awareness about different cultures within the Chico community, the 30^th Annual International Festival was held on Saturday, the April 26^th, 2008. It was bit different than the previous year. Instead of hosting at the tradition Kendall Hall lawn, the organizers, The Multicultural Affairs committee had decided to reach out to the majority of Chico community by arranging the Downtown Plaza, a new recreational area created by the council which has given Chico a unique character. Even though it was a very warm sunny day in Chico, there was a large enthusiastic crowd enjoying food from all different cultures.

Sri Lankan Students serving 'Kottu'

For me, it was the third time in a row that I got involved in organizing the event representing the Sri Lankan student community. Every year students from different nationalities, representing almost all continents of the world, prepare food, dress up in their traditional clothing and set up booths to proudly present their unique cultures. Some of them even perform traditional dances. This year there were more than 15 different booths representing Sri Lanka, India, Native Americans, Pan-African region, Southeast region, Mexico, Hawaii, Philippines as well on campus groups such as the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (M.E.Ch.A., Asian Christian Fellowship, Hmong Student Association, Mein Student Association, Make a Wish Foundation and Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority.

Hmong Student Association Booth

Even though the Sri Lankan students’ booth was so flooded with people wanting to taste ‘Kottu’, a famous Sri Lankan food, which ultimately won them the title of ‘The best tasting food’, I was able to wander around and taste food from other countries and enjoy the whole event. Within hours I was able to taste food from all over the world which was a great experience.

To add more to this international experience, the Associated Students had invited professional performers with very unique genres. Brother's Of Baladi was one such famous local band who were introduced as " a sound that knows no borders ". They got the crowd up on their feet dancing with traditional Middle Eastern music mixed with American Rock n’ Roll style western guitars, drums and keyboards, the plaintive wail of ancient folk-horns, exotic string melodies. The most impressive fact was that they did vocals in seven different languages, namely English, Turkish, Arabic, Armenian, Persian, French and Spanish. The Loyd Family Players, a locally started group, performing next mesmerized the crowd with traditional Brazilian samba music with various repercussion instruments which was truly amazing. Local talent Karisha Longaker was also a unique artist to perform at the festival with a set of songs that were Buddhist chants put to music. Seated yoga-style she sang “Om, shanti, shanti,”.

The Loyd Family in Action

The International festival is indeed a great experience for anybody of all ages who are interested in experiencing different cultures without having to leave their hometown. It happens every April. So make sure you be there next year, if you missed out this time.

Fellow Indian Students