St David’s College held a very successful culture awareness day on 16th February, showcasing the diverse cultures and countries of its students.
St David’s College has students from more than fifty different cultures and countries, making it one of the most diverse Colleges in the country. On 16th February, we celebrated our backgrounds, families and differences on a day that made us feel more together as a community than ever before.
Each country was represented with a stand, with students dressing in traditional clothing and proudly displaying the flag of their country. Seeing students interact, dressed in saris, kimonos, headscarves, and Iranian dresses, with cultural hairstyles and henna, filled the main hall with an atmosphere of pride in ourselves and what makes us who we are.
The event featured a wide array of delicious cuisine from all stands, notably a busy Turkish stand and a very busy Nigerian stand – featuring a mixture of sweet desserts and rice and pastry dishes.
The room was full of energy when the music started, with students putting together a playlist of music from Romania, Poland, Pakistan, India, Morocco, Italy, Mongolia and so many more. The energy turned up even more when afro-beats music started playing and students encouraged others to dance.
During a very busy lunchtime, the day culminated in a parade across the College campus, led by an Indian drum. Hundreds of students followed waving flags and celebrating together.
Many students took to social media to celebrate the day, with videos getting thousands and thousands of views and likes.
One student said, “It was eye-opening to see so many different cultures represented and how proud students were, and passionate about sharing their experiences growing up.”
Another commented, “This felt like a celebration of things that are not usually celebrated. This made people feel stronger emotions that made this feel so much more special.”
While another student added, “I didn’t expect it to be this big! The energy and the atmosphere were so good, and I loved seeing all cultures brought together”.
Local MP and Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, who visited to celebrate the differences between students within her constituency, saying
“It was great to watch some incredible entertainment and try food from 30 of the different cultures that are represented at St David’s College.
A fantastic celebration of Cardiff Central’s diversity.”
Congratulations to everyone that took part in organising the day. It was a day that will be memorable for years to come for all students and staff members who took part.
