‘Culture on the Lawn’: Groups participate in celebration in Presidents Park

Braving unusually chilly temperatures and wind last Friday, students participating in International Week celebrated Culture on the Lawn in Presidents Park to enjoy an evening of international food, dance and festivities.

Multiple clubs took part in the event, including the Somali Student Organization, the French Students Organization and the Kurdistan Student Organization, among others.

According to organizer Allie Dailey, a junior global affairs major, “The purpose of this event was for students to come out and share their culture.”

Culture on the Lawn was also celebrated during last year’s International week, but “there was the addition of swing dancing as well as an Ultimate Frisbee match,” Dailey said.

Micah Pasquarell, a senior majoring in conflict analysis and resolution, said that there would also be a performance by the Capoeira dance troupe.

Capoeira is a Brazilian dance that incorporates African rhythm and martial arts moves into a fusion style of dance.

The event, which resembled a tailgate, featured free food brought by other event-goers. Students were even treated to kabobs by the KSO.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Behar Godani, a graduate student in political science. “The dance competition was definitely the most competitive.”

She added that she was disappointed that the fashion show was canceled.

“It had a lot of promise to it,” she said.