Multicultural Night filled North’s cafeteria with a sea of voices, tables of traditional foods, and displays of clothing and photographs Tuesday, November 15.

From an origami display and Lebanese glasswork to papel picado, a colorful decorative paper of South America, the North community showed pride for its cultural diversity.

“It’s really cool because you’ll see people who you see in your classes every day, but they’re standing behind their country, and they’re like, ‘This is where I’m from and this is why it matters,’” said sophomore Izzi Sawicka, who helped run the Poland booth. 

Over 20 countries from across the world were represented by displays run by members of the North community at the PTSO organized event. 

Sawicka added that running a stand was an opportunity to give others exposure to their country’s background.

“Poland is known for being where the Holocaust happened, and all these negative things. But Poland has such a rich history,” said Sawicka. “It’s just cool to share food and be like, ‘Hey, people forget that Poland exists sometimes, and it’s a pretty awesome place.’” 

For many who attended the event, the food was a standout attraction. 

“The food is the best. I save my appetite for tonight,” said Joyce Deliza, who helped run the Puerto Rico stand. Deliza added that an interesting part of Multicultural Night was being able to see how countries use seasoning in different ways, an example being the variation in rice cakes from different countries. 

“You’ll never have food this good in your life,” said Sawicka.

Senior Karen Matsuoka, who helped run the Japan display, said that seeing each culture’s clothing was a meaningful experience unique to Multicultural night.

“It’s really beautiful to learn different things from different cultures,” said Deliza. “You can learn why people do certain things, and it just expands your knowledge.”

“I want to travel the world because of this,” said Sawicka. “Without diversity, we’re all the same. So often, people are blending in, everyone tries to fit in and be the same and this is a time when we get to say, no we’re not the same. And also being proud of where you’re from is really important. Because without that, then who are you?”