Students of the Medical Faculty for International Students became active participants of the Festival of National Cultures

The fanfare has finally died down for the anniversary 5^th Republican Festival of National Cultures, a forum that attracted a record number of participants. The close-knit international family of the Medical Faculty for International Students was represented at the Festival by four National Unions: African (students from Nigeria), Indian, Maldivian and Sri Lankan.

The first location of the Festival where our students participated was the “Alley of Friendship” («Аллея дружбы») in Kolozha Park. Maldivian students joined this symbolic event “New Friends Are Always Welcome” («Новым друзьям мы рады всегда»), as this year they became part of the Festival family. The Ginnala maple, planted by the Maldivians, is now a living testimony to harmony and firm long-standing friendship between our peoples.

That evening, representatives of the four National Unions marched in a ceremonial procession through the city streets and also took part in the official opening ceremony. Bright and colorful attire of our students attracted the attention of Grodno residents and guests. After all, they represent unique, authentic cultures and exotic experience that on June 5 could be found with no need to cross oceans and continents.

The second day of the Festival, June 6, began with the work of courtyards. Representatives of South Asian countries – Indians, Sri Lankans and Maldivians – were brought together to one venue. Here, everyone could experience tangible and intangible heritage of these peoples: dance the traditional folk dance “Garba” with the Indians, listen to the melody of a Sri Lankan folk song, have their hands painted with henna using Mehendi technique and play the Maldivian shell game “Ovalhu Godni”.

Nigerian students presented their culture at the Polyphony («Многоголосье») courtyard: Nigerian music and dance wove into the colorful tapestry of cultures demonstrated at the Festival. Everyone could taste traditional Nigerian sweets (which quickly ran out) and drink authentic Chinese tea. Games, circle dances, laughter and smiles – all of this characterized the Polyphony courtyard. Here, everyone could feel like a traveler, discovering new cultures from different continents.

And in the evening, everyone had the opportunity to once again enjoy our students’ colorful performances on the stage of the summer amphitheater in Gilibert Park!

Thank you to all the students for an unforgettable experience! And thanks to the event organizers for the given opportunities!

Text by Z.N. Marchenko

Photo by Z.N. Marchenko, BelTA