InterNations Celebrates the World Day for Cultural Diversity

InterNations is definitely a culturally diverse community, represented in 166 countries around the world, uniting more than two million members from across the globe. That alone is a reason to celebrate!

While we are celebrating cultural diversity every day, the World Day for Cultural Diversity on 21 May gives us the opportunity to put this particular aspect of our community life into the spotlight. InterNations Communities around the world have been organizing various official events and activities that fit this theme perfectly.

Getting to Know Other Cultures’ Traditions

Our members in Budapest headed to Veszprém — one of Hungary’s oldest cities — on 7 May for the name day of Blessed Gisella of Bavaria, Queen of Hungary. It is one of the largest cultural events in town with fun activities for all ages and participants dressing up in period garb and traditional Hungarian costumes.

In the north of Germany, in Hamburg, InterNations members celebrated Cinco de Mayo by preparing authentic Mexican dishes for all attendees, along with a selection of Mexican drinks. Enchiladas, ceviche, guacamole, and carnitas were all on the menu, with the sombreros adding an extra fun touch to the evening.

Members of the InterNations Hong Kong Community put on their hiking boots and headed to Macau for a daytrip on 14 May. After a ferry ride to Macau, the group went on a seven-hour trail walk along Macau’s 25 World Heritage sites, starting at A-Ma Temple, one of the most famous Taoist temples in the region, and ending at Guia Fortress, a 17th-century Portuguese fort, a reminder of Macau’s colonial past.

In Brussels, the Spanish Language and Cultures Group organized a Peruvian Gastronomic Festival on 15 May, with more than 30 food stalls serving various dishes and drinks. In addition to the culinary highlights, there was also Peruvian dance and live music, taking you on to a trip to the Andes for the evening.

Official Events Celebrating Diversity around the World

Our members in Cincinnati have their own way of celebrating the cultural diversity of their community throughout the year. Every month, they organize an event in honor of a different country or region, from St Patrick’s Day celebrations to Hispanic Heritage month. In May, the Cincinnati Community was celebrating Japan with a themed dinner at a Japanese restaurant: the perfect way to learn a bit more about Japanese culture in the most delicious way.

InterNations members in New York took it to the next level on 17 May and organized the official monthly event as a rooftop soirée with a scintillating view of the Empire State Building. Around 275 members from a record number of 77 nations were mixing and mingling with fellow expats, enjoying a night out at one of NYC’s hidden gems.

Going west to California, the Sacramento Community hosted a “show-and-tell” event, where members could show off their souvenirs and photos from their trips abroad. More than two dozen guests had a great time telling stories about their international travels.

On the other side of the Atlantic, the Algiers Community hosted a special event in honor of World Day for Cultural Diversity. Around 75 members joined the get-together in a winter garden, with the most stunning view of the cityscape. Dressed up in traditional clothes and accessories from their home country, they enjoyed the opportunity to deepen their understanding of other people’s customs and values and to broaden their knowledge of diverse cultures.

There’s Still Time to Experience Cultural Diversity

If you haven’t had time to get involved in the World Day for Cultural Diversity, you don’t need to worry: a couple more events will still be taking place over the next few days.

The San Francisco Community is celebrating this occasion with an official event on 21 May. Almost 200 members have signed up to meet at a state-of-the-art lounge bar situated in a beautiful brick basement beneath the hustle-and-bustle of the Bay Area.

In Nigeria, the Lagos French Conversation Group is organizing a pool-side event to encourage members who would like to improve or practice their French language skills. If you want to listen to French music, read French literature, or even perform something in French, before enjoying a pool party later on, then just be there on 28 May. Amusez-vous bien!

(Images: 1) Magdolna Hursan, InterNations; 2), 5) & 6) iStockphoto; 3) Michael Beck, InterNations; 4) Roxana Colorado, InterNations)