Food, art and fashion will be some of the themes used to celebrate diversity during Multicultural Week, a week of events that provides opportunities for York University students to experience cultures from around the world.
The week-long showcase runs Jan. 19 to 26, and the annual event is presented and organized by York Federation of Students (YFS).
Each year, organizers introduce new events and awards, and encourage all clubs and groups to participate.
Celebrations from Multicultural Week in 2016 (image: YFS Facebook page)
Here's a roundup of what's happening on campus during the 2018 Multicultural Week (MCW):
Friday, Jan. 19
• YFS Multicultural Week Soccer World Cup, 8:30 am to 4pm, The Hanger (Downsview Park) – The YFS MCS Soccer World Cup brings clubs together for some friendly competition
Monday, Jan. 22
• Opening Ceremony, 11:30am to noon, Student Centre – Multicultural Week opens with recognizing and honouring the traditions and history of the Mississaugas of New Credit First Nations
• Multicultural Parade, noon to 1pm, Student Centre – The parade will disply the diversity of culture at York University through traditional clothing, flags, music and other displays
• Cultural Couture Fashion Show, 3 to 6pm, Student Centre – A showcase of fashion from around the world
Tuesday, Jan. 23
• YFS World Food Fair, 11am to 2pm, The Underground (Student Centre) – Samples of culinary culture will be available, with items ranging from kothu roti to baklava, tacos to fufu, paella to lasagna
• Cultural Intersections Visual Art Exhibition, 11:30am to 5:30pm, Student Centre Food Court – A show promoting the artistic talents of participants regarding their creative expression of their cultural heritage
• Speak Out Panel Discussion: Identities Without Borders, 5pm, 313 Student Centre – A discussion that starts an important conversation about what it truly means to exist in another country and to be a art of a diasporic community
Wednesday, Jan. 24
• Global Tour, 10am to 4pm, Ross Link, Vari Hall and Central Square – Students will have the opportunity to "travel the world" by strolling though campus and visiting pavilions that showcase different cultures
Thursday, Jan. 25
• Cultural Explosion Performance, 2 to 6pm, Aviva Centre – This is a showcase designed to highlight each culture's unique artistic pracitices
Awards
Each year, organizers introduce new events and awards, and encourage all clubs and groups to participate. This year, clubs will have the opportunity to win the following awards: Soccer World Cup, Cultural Intersection Art Show, Parade, Culture Couture Fashion Show, Food Fair, Global Tour, Community Award, and Cultural Explosion Awards (Best Choreography, Best Musical Mix, Best Artistic Production, Best Narrative (new), and Best Individual Dancer (new)).
There will also be awards for Spirit, Most Political, Innovation, Cultural History, Breaking Barriers, and Versatility Award (new).
For more information on how to participate, or how to be involved, visit www.yfs.ca.