Yearly Event to Celebrate Diverse Cultures

Heritages from around the world come togetherVictoria YuTHE SANTA CLARAApril 3, 2014 [dropcap]W[/dropcap]hat better way to kick off a new quarter at Santa Clara than with the Multicultural Center’s 28th annual Global Village, an event involving tasty food, entertaining performances, exciting games and music from DJ Too Tall.  This Sunday, April 6, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., “The Bend” located by the intersection of Market Street and The Alameda will be filled with various booths hosted by Santa Clara student organizations. The event’s theme, “It’s A Small World!,” relates to bringing people of all backgrounds, lifestyles and cultures together – one of Global Village’s major goals.  Although initially designed to specifically celebrate the different cultures on campus, Global Village has ultimately broadened its mission to promote diversity in regard to Santa Clara’s clubs and student groups as well. With 20 to 25 different Santa Clara organizations such as Associated Student Government and all nine MCC clubs represented at this street fair, Global Village is open for all to attend and learn about the wide range of cultures on campus.  The event offers a wide array of activities and services, including a large inflatable obstacle course and a booth with balloon animal artists.In addition, as a way of sharing their culture with others, all MCC clubs will sell popular, traditional foods pertaining to their respective cultures. Egg puffs from the Chinese Student Association and a sweet fresco drink from MeChA are just a few of the various refreshments offered at the event. Seven food trucks will also be present and ready to serve fresh food.  Individuals can further enjoy free performances from different student organizations, including Hipnotik, Salsa Clara and three of Santa Clara’s a cappella groups. Many of the MCC clubs will perform traditional cultural dances as well, previewing the types of dances featured in their upcoming culture shows, which take place later this year.The MCC will also host a raffle at the event for prizes and will donate all profits to Family Supportive Housing, a local organization aiding families in overcoming hunger and poverty.The MCC ultimately hopes that Global Village will not only provide a true picture of the ever-growing diversity within the Santa Clara community itself, but also bring support to the community. Current junior Janice Fu, one of the leaders organizing the event, firmly believes that Global Village impacts the Santa Clara area in a greater way. “Global Village provides an opportunity for people from both Santa Clara and the surrounding community to interact,” says Fu. “It impacts the community in a really unique way and brings everyone together.”Indeed, from amazing food to special performances to fun games, there is nothing quite like Santa Clara’s annual Global Village.  Global Village presents an opportunity for people to learn about and appreciate cultures and origins different from their own. Like a giant, colorful block party, Global Village truly unites the Santa Clara student body unlike any other school event, allowing people to experience other cultures as well as connect with the community at large. Contact Victoria Yu at vyu@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.