On Saturday, April 9, 2005, Yale University hosted an International Cultural Festival in partnership with Communiversity Day. Numerous community service programs and student groups, including the International Silat Federation, set up booths, held activities and programming for students, families, and the New Haven community alike. Hundreds upon hundreds people enjoyed the beautiful weather, free food, fun, games and entertainment throughout the day.

In collaboration with the International Silat Federation, Silat Tuo Minnag, members of the Balinese dance troupe from the Indonesian Consulate of New York participated in an outstanding exhibition and stunning performance of the Dance of the Bird of Paradise, the Cendrawasih. Two of the main dancers, Agnes and Shinta, dazzled the audience who had come to see the beautiful costumes, watch the artistic dance, and listen to the authentic, traditional Balinese music. It was clear from all the enthusiasm and energy that the Indonesian performance was one of the most well-attended performances of the day. Children and adults alike watched in amazement. Afterward, everyone, including members of the press, wanted to talk with the dancers and have their pictures taken with them. The interested crowds then made their way through the exhibition booths set up by the various international groups. Many flocked to the exhibition area of the International Silat Federation where they learned more about Indonesian culture. The pictures, music, and video on display there were provided by the Tourism Bureau of the Indonesian Consulate.

Numerous other groups performed in the International Cultural Festival, including the Konjo African Dance Troupe, the Unity Korean Drumming Group and the Yale Marching Band. There were also performances of Indian music, the Taiwanese Lion Dance, Polisth Dance and Bagpipe music. Yale students taught kids to juggle, and a woman on stilts entertained the crowd. Various groups participated in the Community Action Bazaar and Kids’ Carnival, including the Eli Whitney Museum, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas and the Yale Children’s Theater. The New Haven Police distributed 100 free bicycle helmets and raffled off a mountain bike. Participants also enjoyed the aromas and tastes of wonderful ethnic foods.

The International Cultural Festival, coordinated by the Office of International Students and Scholars and Communiversity Day, coordinated by Alpha Phi Omega, were sponsored in part by the Yale College Dean’s Office, the Offices of the President and Secretary, the Yale Center for International and Area Studies, and the Office of New Haven and State Affairs.

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