Cultural Day's Colorful Smorgasbord

The Sackett Forum became a smorgasbord Saturday night, with table upon table offering tastes of the countries and regions that Groton students represent.

 

With music blasting an auditory feast, students lined up for Japanese ramen, Mexican tamales, Indian samosas, and Vietnamese chè (made from coconut milk, jelly, beans, coconut, and ice). Students with French heritage flipped crepes, while Thai students served up pad thai and spring rolls. At one table, savory pork and plantains beckoned from the Dominican Republic. Nearby, determined Canadian students waited for hot maple syrup to turn ice into candy,

 

The second annual Cultural Day—a tradition sparked last year by students’ ideas—introduced the Groton community to the world that lives right here on the Circle. Students honored their respective backgrounds and heritages, setting up tables with food, games, and crafts from Canada, China, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, France, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, South Korea, Russia, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Vietnam—and the Southern United States.

 

The Forum was festive with colorful flags, thumping music, and participants eagerly dancing. “It highlights all that is best about us as a community,” said Director of Diversity and Inclusion Sravani Sen Das. “Our diversity, our collaboration—the willingness of faculty and students, of different programs and groups, to work together to produce something meaningful—the pride our students and faculty have in their cultural heritage, and our ability to have fun together!”

 

The fun was contagious, and the Forum remained packed throughout the evening. At one table, students patiently practiced Chinese calligraphy. At another, they watched as a henna artist drew intricate designs on their hands. Entertainment included a Chinese dragon dance and traditional music from Latin America. Students and faculty stepped and gestured with enthusiasm as Neha Agarwal ’20 taught a Bollywood dance.

 

Groton Cultural Day was a joint effort by the Student Activities Committee, the International Community Advising Program, and the Diversity and Inclusion Group.

 

Saturday's success solidifies this new Groton tradition and ensures a third annual Cultural Day. “This event has turned into one of our biggest Saturday night activities of the year,” said Student Activities Director Tim LeRoy. “I can’t wait to start planning next winter’s Groton Cultural Day.”