Portugal
participants
The main goal of this event was to promote cultural heritage and differences through sharing traditional dishes from several different countries. Furthermore, as it was a food-related event, another goal was to avoid food waste - this was done by collaborating with ReFood, an organisation that collects food surplus from restaurants, cafés and such and donates it to shelters in the city.
Before the event, participants registered themselves (or as a team) on an online form. They were asked to bring a typical dish from their country of origin, as well as their country's flag.
On the evening of the event, ESN volunteers prepared the venue with stands where the food would be displayed. As participants arrived, the food was displayed and a pannel made of three ESN volunteers tasted each dish and judged it. Afterwards, every participant had the opportunity to try every dish.
The activity ended with the announcement of the best two dishes. After this, participants gathered and chatted together.
Overall, the activity was a success. This dinner gave the opportunity for students to meet new people, share their own cultural history and their country's most famous food. It also promoted intercultural dialogue through sharing food from all over the world.