The recent PolyU International Cultural Festival has cemented its position as a centrepiece for sharing cultures and cuisines. Concluding on a high note, the 18-day event which ran from March 24 to April 10, presented a vibrant showcase of world cultures through an array of performances, workshops, culinary delights, film screenings, exhibitions, and seminars. It left the PolyU community with treasured and tasty memories.

The diverse selection of cultural activities not only enhanced the learning experiences of students, they also nurtured a greater appreciation for cultural diversity, highlighting PolyU's commitment to international cooperation.

Catch the highlights here!

Starting in style

The third PolyU International Cultural Festival kicked off in style. Over 100 PolyU students and staff attended the opening ceremony, enjoying dynamic dance and music performances by fellow students. Representatives from PolyU’s senior management team, led by President Professor Jin-Guang Teng, along with eight Consul Generals and representatives, were also on the scene to mark the occasion.

Cultural Nights encourage cross-cultural unity

The popular Cultural Night series celebrated global diversity with events dedicated to cultures from various regions, including South Asian, Qazaq, Malaysian, and Indonesian. Organised by non-local student associations, the evenings featured authentic performances, interactive games, and delicious cuisines, offering invaluable opportunities for cultural engagement. These student-driven initiatives foster cross-cultural dialogue and unity, creating an inclusive campus environment.

Italian masquerades

The Festival also celebrated Italian culture with a “Commedia dell'Arte” performance and workshop focusing on the art of the masquerade. Using the expressive techniques of Italian Theatre – improvisation, pantomime, and masks – the event created a universal language that resonated with audiences. The performance was attended by Ms Alice Fratarcangeli, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute, which is part of the Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong.

Experiencing Europe's culinary delights

French cheese, Spanish ham, and Finnish salmon were among the highlights at the European Food Fair "Flavours of Europe", which attracted over 500 people eager to explore European food culture on campus. The Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macao also attended the event.

Returning exchange students shared their experiences and practical tips for studying abroad in regions like the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, and Europe. A special film screening of “Notre-Dame on Fire” offered the 500-strong audience a blow-by-blow recreation of the gripping events when the cathedral suffered the biggest blaze in its history.

With its rich mix of artistic and cultural events, the Festival successfully cultivated an appreciation for diverse cultures. Engaging with global traditions also allowed PolyU students to broaden their perspective and enrich their educational journeys.