This year’s Atlas Week, “Global Cultures in a Complex World,”
culminated on Friday afternoon, as the Saint Louis University
community came together to celebrate the many dimensions and
cultures of SLU at the Billiken World Fair. Warm weather, waving
flags, exotic foods, live performances and music populated the
Quad.
The weather was excellent, as hundreds of people gathered in the
Quad to get a taste of another culture. Throughout the afternoon
the area was packed with students enjoying the parade, as well as
the cuisine available at many of the booths.
The Parade of Nations kicked off the fair with flags from more
than 70 countries. The flags represented all the countries of the
student body at SLU.
St. Mary’s High School led the parade while the Vashon High
School marching band offered the parade finale. Vashon was a big
hit with members of the University community, as students crowded
around the band to watch them perform in front of Griesedieck
Hall.
The fair featured live cultural music and dance, in addition to
carnival games and international cuisine, along with students
sharing information about their culture.
“Our class was able to talk the teacher into not having class,
so that we could enjoy the beautiful weather outside, as well as
the fair,” said freshmen Katie Theurer. “The different types of
food smelled good and tasted delicious.”
There was authentic food representing the many cultures.
Cultures that were represented at the fair included Asian, African,
Spanish and Italian. At the Korean booth students dressed in
clothing of their respective cultures and wrote on bookmarks with
students’ names in Korean. The Asian booth was decorated with paper
lanterns.
Students not only enjoyed the food, but the entertainment as
well. There were performances by the Russian Folk Show, belly
dancers, Bare Naked Statues, a step show by Sigma Gamma Rho and
more.
“It has grown quite a lot since the first year, as there is a
greater student turnout,” said Munira (Ann Mracek), a belly dancer.
“There is a genuine interest shown by the student body and a great
deal of diversity in culture and entertainment.”
all agreed that it was gratifying. They say they have a genuine
love for their art and anytime they share it with others, it makes
it worthwhile.
“The Billiken World Fair was incredible fun. There were amazing
music and dance performances from such a variety of backgrounds and
cultures,” said senior Ben Kinnear. “It was an honor that the Bare
Naked Statues were able to sing at the event.”
The Billiken World Fair was sponsored by the Office of the
Provost, in conjunction with the International Student Federation,
Multicultural Formation Team and Student Development.
The fair is the University’s attempt to bring unity to the
student body and bring SLU together to celebrate differences.
