EMBRACING DIVERSITY

Celebration at Holland College showcases food, music, and dance from around the globe

Celebration at Holland College showcases food, music and dance from around the globe

It felt like the entire globe was jam-packed into the Holland College cafeteria Wednesday afternoon.

The first annual Embracing Diversity Fair brought students from all walks of life to celebrate their own countries culture, food, music and dance.

Anna Blanco, a student from Venezuela, was performing traditional songs at the fair. She even signed a few autographs.

“I wanted to share my culture in some way, and I chose my voice.”

The fair allowed international students to feel like they weren’t the only ones getting used to Canadian life, said Blanco.

“To see this much diversity in the college, it makes me feel like I’m not alone. There are others from even further away than me.”

Another performance that had the whole room clapping was the Junkanoo, a national festival that originates from the Bahamas. Drums, whistles, vibrant costumes and dancing shook the whole room.

“I wanted to share my culture in some way, and I chose my voice.” Anna Blanco

Cameron Lynch, a Holland College student from the Bahamas, was one of the dancers. He wishes there were more days similar to this one.

“I love the opportunity for students to give people a taste of their home. It’s so important.”

Lynch moved to P.E.I two and a half years ago, and has only one complaint — the snow.

“The people here are beautiful. Everyone is so polite.”

Tables were set up around the cafeteria for different countries, where people could test out famous dishes and delicacies.

Lynch was serving pea soup, a food eaten for breakfast and lunch in the Bahamas.

“It has dumplings, carrots, potatoes, onions and more. I

guess you could say it’s a signature dish.”

Someone who couldn’t pull themselves away from the pea soup table was the president of the college, Brian McMillan. He described the day with one

word: awesome.

“We all have a story to tell.” The success from the first fair means it definitely won’t be the last, said McMillan.

“You can feel the energy in the room. This is all part of the college experience, everyone coming together.”

The fair continues in the cafeteria at the Culinary and Tourism Centre today, starting at 11:30 a.m.

GRACE GORMLEY/THE GUARDIAN Bahamian dancers perform the Junkanoo, a traditional dance from the Bahamas, at the Diversity Fair Wednesday at Holland College.

GRACE GORMLEY/THE GUARDIAN Cameron Lynch scoops some pea soup, a classic dish from the Bahamas, at the Diversity Fair Wednesday.

GRACE GORMLEY/THE GUARDIAN Anna Blanco showcases her voice and culture by performing traditional Venezuelan music at the Diversity Fair Wednesday.

GRACE GORMLEY/THE GUARDIAN Wyonna Bernard and members of the Mi’kmaq group, Lone Cry Singers, perform at Holland College on Tuesday as part of the first annual Embracing Diversity Fair. Celebrations continued Wednesday and will happen again today at the college.