A Kaleidoscope of Cultures at the Ethnic Festival

On December 12, Samara University once again opened its doors for the annual Ethnic Festival – an unforgettable celebration of friendship, traditions, and unique identities. This event became a true reflection of cultural diversity, uniting university students and guests in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect, showcasing the wealth of national traditions from all corners of the globe.

Traditionally, the festival opened with a vibrant flag parade. Representatives of dozens of countries proudly carried their national symbols, creating a colorful procession that immediately filled the hall with a sense of festivity and global unity. This parade served as a powerful visual reminder of just how diverse and beautiful our shared world is.

Captivating performances by folk groups took center stage in the program. The stage came alive with energetic rhythms and melodious voices, with each group showcasing the authentic traditions of their country. This year, the undeniable winner in the "Best Dance Performance" category was the team from Armenia. Svetlana Sogomonyan, Valeriya Karyan, Lilith Abramyan, Victoria Adamyan, and Milena Abrahamyan captivated the jury and audience with their virtuoso execution, grace, and the emotionality of their movements, filling the hall with the vibrant energy of national dances.

National cuisine also left no one indifferent. The culinary fair turned into a veritable gastronomic parade, inviting guests on a worldwide journey of tastes. The "Best Presentation of National Cuisine" category was won by the team from Mexico. Saldivar Peña Samuel Emiliano, Cuijada Piokuinto Jose Gabriel, Fidel Agustín Sanjines Lesama, Sebastian Sifuentes Savala, Ricardo Jose Claros Castro, and Leal Hernandez Miguel Angel presented such authentic and aromatic treats that the jury had no doubts about their victory.

An important interactive part of the event were the master classes. Here, anyone could not only get a glimpse of folk crafts but also learn the basics of weaving, wood carving, artistic painting, or creating traditional souvenirs under the attentive guidance of masters from different countries. These hands-on workshops were immensely popular, allowing participants to immerse themselves more deeply in the cultures being explored.

Vocal performances also stirred a whirlwind of emotions. In the "Song" category, Nigeria celebrated a well-deserved victory. The voice of Adeyeye Adessaiaayo Adesanya, with its powerful, expressive, and piercing performance, filled the hall with deep emotions and unique national melodies, literally mesmerizing the listeners.

The Ethnic Festival at Samara University once again confirmed that culture is a powerful bridge connecting people. Participants and spectators left the event with smiles on their faces, inspiration in their hearts, and a feeling of profound mutual understanding. This annual celebration undoubtedly remains one of the kindest and brightest traditions of the university, leaving everyone with a desire to once again immerse themselves in the world of multifaceted cultural beauty!

Text by Angelina Schneider