The Intercultural Life Office encourages conversation around community and belonging as it presents Cultural Celebrations Week March 17–22.
This year’s theme is “Understanding,” and the events will offer participants the opportunity to share dialogue, celebrate differences, and explore important cultural topics and experiences that make up our campus community.
“Celebrating different cultures creates an environment where all students feel valued and respected, helping break down barriers and fostering mutual understanding of one another,” said Director of Intercultural Life Satin Bennett. “Each culture that volunteered to share their story this week will expose our campus community to new perspectives, challenging their own beliefs while deepening their empathy and appreciation for others’ experiences.”
All events are free and open to the public.
Monday, March 17:
Gente Craft and Tell, Orange Carpet, 5–7 p.m.
Learn the cultural expression of Puerto Rican heritage by creating your own rendition of a Vejigante paper mache mask. Members of Gente will teach you about the celebrations of medieval Spanish folklore that represent a blend of Spanish, African, and Taino influences as a way to connect with ancestral traditions through art and performance.
Tuesday, March 18:
Understanding Cornell’s Intercultural Life: Walk-Through Symposium, Orange Carpet, all day
Join ICL in this self-directed walk-through symposium on the impact of Community and Belonging, seeing why we embrace all on our campus.
Unapologetically Me Craft and Tell, Orange Carpet, 11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Celebrate your culture and express yourself unapologetically on Canvas.
Wednesday, March 19:
Understanding Cornell’s Spiritual, Disabilities, and Wellness offices, Orange Carpet, 11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Let’s fidget and learn together. Chaplain Rev. Melea White will highlight the importance of each individual's spiritual beliefs in fostering cultural understanding, while Coordinator of Disability Services Hannah Ganzel will celebrate the multiplicity of abilities and promote designing our world to be more accessible to all. Also, discover how leveraging your cultural strengths can enhance your wellbeing by joining the Ebersole Health and Wellbeing staff for an engaging activity.
Posse Sip, Snack and Share, Orange Carpet, 5–7 p.m.
Taste a bit of family tradition that our Posse students bring to campus: Coquito, Agua Frescas de Jamaica and Piña,and Sandwichitos de Mezcla! Join us for sips, snacks, shirts, candies, and conversation over the dinner hour.
You’ll also have time to complete your Gente Craft and Tell Vejigante Mask.
Thursday, March 20:
Don’t Touch My Hair, Orange Carpet, 7–9 p.m.
Join us as we celebrate understanding our hairstyle differences through educational discussions and games. There will be haircut and style giveaways along with hair care prizes just for being there. This is an ISA (International Student Association) and BACO (Black Awareness Cultural Organization) collaboration.
Friday, March 21:
International Food Mixer, The Hilltop Café, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
The Hilltop Café will have international foods and drinks for participants to try, with suggestions from some of our very own international Cornellians. This is an ISA and ICL collaboration catered by Bon Appétit.
Saturday, March 22:
Culture Show, Kimmel Theater, 6–8 p.m.
Join us at the 2025 Culture Show for a vibrant night of fashion, singing, dancing, poetry, and instrumentals. The Culture Show is an exciting opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to engage in a lively night of cultural expression and appreciation. This is an ISA and ICL collaboration.