Carnaval Takes Students on a Journey Around the World
By Teagan Davidge
Last month, Carnaval featured performance artists and a variety of cultural food options, highlighting the diversity of backgrounds at CSUN and fostering a rich community spirit. This year’s theme, roots and rhythms, focused on the concept of unique and shared heritage between students and their loved ones, often found through music.
“What Carnaval means to me is to be able to express and have moments of joy while coming together to celebrate cultures in their most vibrant and colorful form,” said Marian Rivera, USU Programs student event assistant. “I loved seeing students happy and excited watching their friends perform, getting a henna tattoo and having lots of free food.”
Performances from Ballet Folklórico Aztlán de CSUN, Jishin Taiko and the Filipino American Student Association brought light to different traditional dances that students connected and engaged with.
“My favorite part was being able to see other culture’s foods and traditions. I think it was nice to be able to see that because a lot of people might not be aware of the different dances,” said Kimberly Valdovinos, student attendee. “I would attend again because I think it’s a nice event to go to. I also appreciate how there was food from other places because I hadn’t tried any of this.”
Students enjoyed Indigenous, Eastern Mediterranean, Latinx and Filipino cuisines, trying out dishes like lahmacun, cheese borags, turon, pan dulce and baklava, some for the first time.
A vibrant world map also allowed students to pin where they and their families came from as a representation of CSUN’s body of students and their broad range of cultures. Attendees that participated in the activity entered a giveaway for useful items like a molcajete.
One of the giveaway winners shared about his experience at Carnaval and how it aligned with his affinity for exploring traditions from across the world.
“The best part was honestly just the environment, like being here. I liked the people they introduced and seeing the shows as well. They were all captivating, it was just amazing,” said Jason Castellanos, student attendee and raffle winner. “I liked the vibe. I would attend again because I like exploring new cultures, and all the cultures we have here created a great environment.”
Rivera led the event planning process and shared her hopes for what students mentally took away after experiencing Carnaval.
“I hope that students know that they are seen and valued on campus, and that a lot of our work is done to provide a platform for students to share and experience each other’s stories,” said Rivera. “Through the variety of food and performances, I really hope that students were able to feel empowered and encourage others to appreciate and respect different cultures.”