As one of the most popular student-organized events at UC Santa Cruz, the 34th annual Multicultural Festival will take place on Saturday, May 18, with a day of rich cultural performances, food and music. Thousands of participants are expected fill the Oakes College Lower Lawn from noon to 6 p.m. to bask in the great food and environment.
This year, the festival’s theme is “Individual Unique, Together Complete.” Although the event showcases multiple unique ethnic organizations, together the diversity creates a complete representation of many underrepresented groups on the UCSC campus. Planning the Multicultural Festival this year proved possible with the collaboration of 17 student organizations.
“The Multicultural Festival is an event that I look forward to every year,” said Robert Bisquera Jr., a senior at UC Santa Cruz who has worked on planning the event since his freshman year. “One of the important aspects of this festival, aside from the food and dances, is to break down the barriers among the communities on this campus and work in solidarity with one another.”
Come see the African Showboyz perform as the headliner act of the show. This group of brothers, from Ghana in West Africa, is taking time out of their U.S. tour to perform at the festival. Along with the African Showboyz, there will be various ethnic student performers and other performers like Son Caribe and Native Boogie Beats performing as well.
The festival’s food stands offer a tantalizing menu of options from bulgogi tacos (a Korean twist on the traditional taco) to samosas and esquites (flavored toasted corn) — and many other regional foods from various cultures. Come hungry and bring some money to satisfy your taste for food around the world.
Admission to the festival is free. No alcohol is permitted at this event. The SOAR (Student Organization Advising and Resources) Office wishes to make this event accessible to people with disabilities. If you need accommodations, please contact SOAR at (831) 459-2934.
People interested in attending are encouraged to bring their friends and family — and become a part of this annual event.
