There was a line outside of the door of the UWG Campus Center Ballroom. At last year’s festival, students, faculty and Carroll County citizens waited their turn to experience a taste of cuisine from around the world. On the other side of the ballroom, a wait for henna tattoos wrapped around the back of the room. In the center, a group of dancers performed a traditional Mexican dance that welcomed everyone to the festival.
This year, the 7th annual Multicultural Festival will be held on Thursday, March 10, in the Campus Center Ballroom. The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) partnered with the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Anthropology Department to host the event.
“The festival is a time for individuals to come together to be able to experience different cultures in a very welcoming atmosphere and environment,” said Deirdre Rouse, director of the Center of Diversity and Inclusion.
The event will open up with a brief discussion about culture from Dr. Thomas Jennings, Waring Lab director in the Anthropology Department.
“Even though this is a time for people to experience different cultures, we always want to make sure there is an educational component,” said Rouse.
The festival will continue with a combination of performers and workshops, including African hair wrapping, and displays from different cultural organizations like the Native American Preservation Association.
“I love to see people learn when they do not realize they’re learning,” said Rouse. “They’re gaining knowledge by attending the festival .”
Every year CDI tries to include a culture that has not been represented in the past. This year’s festival presents the chance to learn more about Irish culture with a performance of the John Maschinot, who performs traditional Irish music.
“For the past 5 years, we have been trying to get someone to come who represents that culture, so we’re excited to have that particular culture represented this year,” said Rouse on Maschinot’s appearance.
The festival will also give students the chance to volunteer with the different performers
