Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) and the University of Southern Maine (USM) recently collaborated to host Culture Fest 2023 on Thursday, Wednesday, April 19, an event showcasing various cultures worldwide that contribute to both communities. The festival included international fashion and talent shows, art activities, and international cuisine.
Dr. Carmen Moreno-Díaz, Director of the Intercultural Center at SMCC, said, “The first Culture Fest between SMCC and USM was a genuine platform created by students to showcase their art, moves, poems, regalia. It celebrated beautifully diversity understood in terms of richness, emphasizing the incredible value of the coexistence between World countries. Also, it was gratifying to see students you see around the Intercultural Center studying and working incredibly hard in an atmosphere where they can relax, have fun and enjoy themselves.”
“Culturefest 2023 was a beautiful reminder of the vibrance of our student community and the many cultures they represent,” Intercultural Advisor Shona Workman said. “We look forward to growing the event in years to come.”
Co-organizer, President of SMCC’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter, Alpha Chi Nu, Hirruy Hagos, said the festival was a great success and highlighted the importance of highlighting cultural diversity.
“Culture Fest 2023 was more magnificent than I ever could’ve imagined, thanks to the collaborative work between our PTK chapter, Alpha Chi Nu, SMCC’s Intercultural Center, USM’s Office of Intercultural Student Affairs, and all the artists, students, and community members who participated in the magical event,” Hargos said. “We, the organizers, and the people loved the event so much that we’re striving to make SMCC-USM Culture Fest an annual event!”