The smell of spicy Pilipino food and the ringing of belly-dancing music filled the air of the Night of All Nations on Friday, April 15. Brightly colored flags and cultural garb created a lively atmosphere, along with 50 different booths of food, fun and dancing that were provided.
The 29th annual event took place in Lawlor Events Center at the University of Nevada, Reno thanks to the International Club (I-Club). I-Club strives to promote cultural awareness and help students, nationally and internationally, learn something from different cultures. NOAN is one of the many ways they accomplish that.
Jun Sanju, a member of I-Club, moved to Reno from South Korea one year ago. Sanju said that being from a foreign country, he was shy when first moving to the U.S. However, in joining the I-Club and attending this event, he was able to make friends easier and learn about other cultures.
“You get to know the differences in cultures: the food, languages, cities. It’s a good way to get to know cultures one by one,” said Sanju
Approximately 3,000 people attended. UNR freshman, Kayla Price, was one who attended.
“It’s really a great way to see other cultures and to see how they’re different from each other,” Price said.
The booths presented a number of cultures, varying from Brazil, the Philippines, and Ireland. Scotland, India, and China were others, to name a few. There were also different craft booths, one teaching origami.
The aroma of the food was haunting, and it tasted even better. However, the dancing on stage caught the attention of many. Dances varied from Scottish dances, to Ireland, and even India. Raksha, a nine-year-old Indian dancer performed a traditional routine by herself on stage. She was poised, confident, and bold. A veteran, she’s performed three times at the NOAN.
“I like dancing because it’s in my blood and a part of my culture,” said Raksha.
With cultural awareness, there also lies a serious side.
Japan’s booth had a mission; to do much more than serve mochi and teriyaki. Alyssa Miyazaki, a member of the Pacific Friends Fund (PFF), explained how the recent tragedies in Japan inspired the PFF, a branch of the Japanese Student Action Network. Their mission is to raise funds for the victims of the tragedy in Japan, and also introduce traditional Japanese culture. Miyazaki explained that their fundraising isn’t limited to Japan.
“We want to make this a long-term fundraiser not only for Japan, but for other countries if something like this happens again,” said Miyazaki.
Fundraising proceeds are distributed through Japanese Red Cross and Lions Club International.
To learn more about PFF, or to donate, go to http://pacificfriendsfund.org/. Information about the I-Club can also be found on http://asunclubs.orgsync.com/.
