Netherlands
participants
The Cultural Festival aims to celebrate and share the rich diversity of cultures within our community by creating an open, welcoming space for cultural exchange, dialogue, and connection. Through interactive workshops, traditional performances, and authentic food from around the world, the festival encourages curiosity, fosters mutual understanding, and promotes cultural awareness. By highlighting the value of different traditions and perspectives, it actively works to reduce prejudice and discrimination, while inspiring respect, inclusivity, and intercultural learning.
It is a yearly event that ESN Leiden holds very close to their heart, and this year it was part of the #SocialImpactDays!
We wish to increase the visibility of our section and of this amazing event we worked so hard for.
The Cultural Festival is a vibrant celebration of global cultures, bringing together a rich variety of traditions, art forms, and experiences—all in one day. Visitors can explore country stands representing Italy, Hungary, South Korea, China, Poland, Greece, Mexico, the USA, Peru, Chile, Canada, India, and Pakistan. Each stand is composed of volunteers that offer a unique glimpse into their country’s culture through traditional food, interactive elements, and personal stories, creating a space for authentic cultural exchange and connection.
To celebrate the incredible effort put into the country stands, three special prizes were awarded:
Best Food: Peru & Chile for their delicious and authentic dishes
Most Creative: Pakistan, thanks to their rich cultural decorations and traditional objects
Most Engaging: Italy, for hosting a live pasta-making workshop that drew a big crowd
Additional highlights include Greece teaching participants the Greek alphabet and mythology and China making fresh dumplings on the spot—moments that truly brought the cultures to life!
Throughout the day, guests can take part in interactive workshops that invite them to experience cultural practices firsthand—such as Greek dance, Afro dance, yoga, Chinese calligraphy, medieval lettering, cumbia skirt dance, a cultural debate, and origami. These workshops offer a hands-on opportunity to learn new skills, explore artistic expression, and deepen cultural understanding.
The festival also features a dynamic lineup of live performances, including a Turkish theatre production, a cultural film screening, Cuban singing, Uzbek traditional dances, and an Indian Bharatanatyam dance performance. These performances showcase the beauty and diversity of global artistic traditions, bringing the festival atmosphere to life.
The Cultural Festival is more than an event—it's a celebration of diversity, dialogue, and unity through food, art, and shared experiences.
This activity is part of the project:
Inclusivity for All, Now!