Multicultural Fair 2014

Today St. Bernard’s celebrated the cultures of Hungary and Malaysia at its annual Multicultural Fair.  Thanks to a hardworking crew of parent volunteers led by fair co-chairs F.T. C., Kristina D., and Patricia T., boys of all grades enjoyed an elaborate morning of stimulating presentations, performances, and activities. 

To begin the morning’s assembly, the boys saw a performance of traditional Hungarian music and dance.  The rhythmic nature of the music and dance had everyone clapping along enthusiastically.  Then, Kristina D. and her son Henry D. gave a presentation on the history and culture of Hungary.  They taught us that Hungarians take special pride in their scientific and athletic achievements.  They had the eighth most medals in the last Summer Olympics, which is remarkable for a country with half the population of New York State.  Later in the day, boys faced off against fencers who specialized in a particular style of Hungarian fencing.

The presentation on Malaysia took us almost 10,000 miles around the globe to Indonesia.  F.T. C. described the various peoples and influences that comprise the unique Malaysian culture.  Located at the entrance to the South China Sea, Malaysia has long been an important center for international trade, and, over the centuries, there have been numerous colonial powers.  Alan C. And Patricia T. taught about the eastern part of the country, which is home to the oldest rainforests in the world.  To cap off the assembly, we were treated to a performance of traditional Malaysian dance.  Later in the Medium Gym the boys played Malaysian kick volleyball and had the opportunity to take a whiff of a pungent Malaysian fruit called a Durian, which has a smell that people either find appealing or revolting.

The boys will be well equipped to navigate the cultures and customs of these fascinating countries when the time comes to visit.