A celebration of culture, food, and community is returning to Northwestern College later this month.
The annual Beloved Festival of Culture is set for Saturday, April 11, beginning at 5 p.m. in the four-court area of the Rowenhorst Student Center. The event highlights the diversity of Northwestern’s campus through international cuisine, student performances, and a cultural fashion show.
Kelsey Joseph, Associate Director of Intercultural Development, says the festival is designed to give people a glimpse into the lives of students from around the world.
The evening begins with a buffet-style meal featuring dishes from countries represented on campus. Following the meal, a program will include traditional dances, cultural performances, and a fashion show showcasing attire from various countries.
Joseph says the event offers a unique opportunity for the local community to experience cultures they might not otherwise encounter.
Northwestern currently has students from more than 25 countries represented on campus, and while not every student participates, organizers work to ensure a wide range of cultures are included in the event.
Joseph says the festival also plays an important role in connecting the campus with the broader Orange City community.
She notes that events like this allow community members to better understand the students who live, work, and study in the area, while also giving international students a chance to share their backgrounds and traditions.
The event is open to the public, and organizers encourage anyone interested to attend.
Admission is $13 for adults and $8 for children ages 4 to 11, with children three and under admitted free. Those who prefer to skip the meal can attend the evening’s performance for a $1 entry fee.
The Beloved Festival of Culture will run from 5 p.m. through the evening in the Rowenhorst Student Center on Northwestern’s campus.
