Fifteen SF State student organizations hosted the second CultureFest on Thursday, a celebration of a cultural diversity and one of the key events of the International Education Week. The event took place along with the Office of International Programs in Malcolm X Plaza.

The student organizations promoted cultural exchanges through a wide array of display tables, showcasing their original and unique objects, photos and food as well as dance and music performances. The number of the student organization participants was the same as the last year, but different groups participated, according to Rebecca Sablo, the CultureFest coordinator and an international student advisor.

“I think there’s been a lot of curiosities of students checking out tables and looking at the stage wondering what's going to go on with so many kimonos hanging off the poles,” Sablo said. Sablo added that the event is a great opportunity to allow students to see the diversity and multi-culture that drives on this campus.

“I think it encourages positive exchanges through conversation and education rather than watching a movie or TV. It’s a real life cultural experience, it's not something you sit back and view. You are not an observer, you are a participant.”

The flavor of different types of foods, sounds and artistic performances brought the excitement of the students passing by the Plaza. Many students were drawn into the freshly baked pot stickers sold at the Chinese Students and Scholars Association’s display table.

“I love pot stickers. It looked good and smelled good,” said Jennifer Serrano, a senior psychology major, who stopped by before class. “I think it’s fun to see all the different cultures celebrating together.”

The International Education Exchange Council, a student organization that leads a number of students who have studied abroad as well as exchange students from around the world, presented an information table to introduce students about study abroad programs.

“The fundamental of the IEEC is internationally minded people,” said Daniel Painitz, a co-chair of the IEEC who studied abroad to Australia last year. “We want to be here to promote studying abroad because it’s the same kind of thing that you do here learning about new cultures.” He said the event helps the American students to meet different international students and learning from each other.

Two student organizations, the Indian Student Association and Japanese Student Association performed their traditional folkdances Both were rhythmic with their folk music, attracting a numerous number of student spectators.

The ISA performed the Garba, a traditional dance in India, in a vivid red and green costume with spangles, using a pair of sticks and a pot.

The JSA student performed the Soran Bushi, a traditional fisherman’s dance in Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan. The performers dressed in their traditional costumes called happi. The JSA also invited professional musicians, Yarawanaba, from Okinawa, Japan. The two women musicians sang about their home island, along with the sanshin, a common instrument in Okinawa.

“I think it’s really interesting to listen to a different kind of music,” said Laura Amador, a psychology major, who was at the site with her friend. Amador noted that it would be boring if it’s only hip-hop which is often played at the quad.

“I enjoy listening to the music, since I’ve heard some Japanese music before,” said Molly Orourke, a senior, kinesiology major.

Many students expressed that the event was helpful to see a different side of the globe.

“I hope that it’s going to become an event that people look forward to every year,” said Sablo.