Celebrating Cultural Diversity with InterNations

By Tobias White

There has been no shortage of fun in May, with numerous official events providing memories which won’t be forgotten in a hurry. Some of our members from around the world have been celebrating Cultural Diversity Day this month, while others have been networking to the festivities of Cinco De Mayo. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights!

Global Minds with a Diverse Background

The celebrations kicked-off in Cincinnati, on Wednesday, 9 May, where our members came together to celebrate the spirit of Japan and its rich culture. The Kaze restaurant was the preferred choice of venue for this event, as our members joined InterNations Ambassador Michael Beck for a fun-packed night.

Two days later, a cultural celebration of a different kind took place on the other side of the world in Guangzhou. Not Japanese culture, but British culture was the focus of this event! Organized by Ambassadors Hannah Murray and Lena Zhu, members of the InterNations Guangzhou Community met at the Happy Monk, where they were greeted with appetizers and free welcome drinks. The Happy Monk was decked out to create a truly British feel, and members showed up wearing the red, white and blue colors of the Union Jack and donning fancy hats and tiaras. This only increased the excitement for this month’s royal wedding.

On Saturday, 12 May, InterNations Ottawa Ambassadors William Szepesi and Hannah Kahn hosted the InterNations Eurovision Song Contest Event at the Heart and Crown. The event welcomed expats from all different backgrounds to take part in watching Europe’s favorite international song competition and over-the-top fun, regardless of whether their country was participating or not. Our members were even presented with special Eurovision marking sheets, paying close attention to the action from start to finish.

The InterNations Tirana Community came together at the promise of good food. Our local members enjoyed a night of networking and new friendships in an inspiring atmosphere, led by our Ambassadors Elias Mazloum and Iris Kuqi. At the only Asian Fusion Restaurant in Tirana, they indulged in Indonesian, Malaysian, and Thai refreshments.

Cinco de Mayo around the World

In fitting with the theme of cultural diversity, this year’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations spread far and wide, bringing together people from all different backgrounds.

Cinco de Mayo festivities are particularly prominent in Miami, Florida, and InterNations Ambassadors Giuseppe Mascarella, Eloisa Bustos, Mary Bartsh, and Benedetto D'Antico did not disappoint, as they hosted a fantastic evening at the National Hotel. Our members in Miami joined in the fun and danced the evening away. It was a fantastic night for the global minds of Florida!

The InterNations Jakarta Community made their first venture to the Amigos bar for one of the most popular annual parties in Jakarta. Amigos provided the perfect atmosphere for this infamous Cinco de Mayo celebration, while also treating all guests to free drinks and a Mexican buffet dinner. The best male and female singers and dancers, as well as to those sporting the snazziest outfits, received a prize!

The Munich New Horizons Group celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a Mexican party at the 35mm Bar & Lounge, sampling the special drinks that were on offer, and enjoying each other’s company. They were also treated to the perfect Mexican party music, by DJ Cholo Champana!

If you have missed any of this month’s activities or feel like you have missed out, then fear not, there’s plenty more to come! You could join the Las Vegas Community at the Green Valley Ranch Hotel on Wednesday, 30 May, for instance, when our Ambassadors Maha Madanat and Jay Johnson ensure that the Cinco de Mayo celebrations continue long into the month.

Alternatively, if you feel like continuing to celebrate cultural diversity, then you’re in luck! In May, Bulgaria celebrates the Day of Culture and Slavic Script, so be sure to check out the Feast of the Letters Event in Sofia on Thursday, 31 May.

If you happen to be in Sweden on Wednesday, 6 June, then join the Stockholm Professional Networking Group to celebrate national day! Guests will be granted exclusive access to the Stureplans Guldterrassen, a stunning location which will provide an ideal atmosphere for the afternoon drinks.

May has been an exciting month, and we are happy that we could shine a light on the different cultural backgrounds of our members. If you could not attend in May, don’t worry! Cultural diversity is at the heart of all of our events and activities.

About Tobias White

Tobias White is a German, Russian and European Studies student at the University of Bath. He is originally from Bristol, a city in the south-west of England. Tobias loves travelling and is currently on his mandatory year abroad, working at InterNations in Munich as an Editorial Office Intern in the Content and Communications Department. The first half of his year abroad was spent studying in Moscow.

Article Topics

Culture & Traditions

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