 ICCF: ANNUAL CULTURAL CELEBRATION-2023,
By Maryness Patrick
Once a year, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta celebrates its Anniversary with an event called the International Cultural & Culinary Festival (ICCF). This year was the 8th edition of the festival, and it was extra special because the 2020 event was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances of the pandemic. The first ICCF was held in 2015, and it had become an annual tradition since then. The event is always held on the third week of March, which adds to the excitement of the University's Anniversary celebration.
This year's ICCF had participants from 30 different countries. The festival was a great opportunity for international students to represent their respective countries, showcase their culture, and share it with the world. Each country bringing their unique perspectives and ideas to the event was fascinating. From the opening ceremony to the closing remarks, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as delegates from various nations interacted and shared their thoughts.
Some of the countries that participated in the ICCF-2023 include the United States, Tanzania, Zambia, Sudan, Madagascar, Uganda, Timor Leste, Zimbabwe, Spain, Pakistan, Nigeria, Malaysia, Yemen, Kiribati, Gambia, Ethiopia, Congo, Thailand, China, Brunei Darussalam, Bangladesh, Zambia, Cameroon, Palestine, and Senegal to mention a few. The event served as a platform for these nations to collaborate and exchange ideas on a wide range of topics, including science, technology, politics, and culture. The Ambassador of Ukraine in Indonesia and the Vice Rector of Muhammadiyah University were the distinguished guests of the ICCF-2023 held at Muhammadiyah University. The event also had students’ guests from various universities, including the University of Muhammadiyah as well as other universities located in Yogyakarta, Semarang, Bandung and Solo. The event had three main activities, each of which was unique and exciting.
The first activity was the Street Parade, where the international students representing their countries walked through the University in a parade formation. They were led by a drum corps, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. The colorful costumes, lively music, and energetic performances of the parade participants created an amazing atmosphere.
The second activity was the Street Kitchen, where every country's representative created their own traditional culinary and served it to the participants for free. The aroma of delicious food filled the air, and people lined up to taste the exotic flavors of the different cuisines. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to taste different kinds of food and appreciate the diversity of cultures.
The third activity was the Traditional or Contemporary Art Performance, where participants or country representatives showcased their traditional dancing, song, or stage drama. It was a great platform for everyone to express their talents and creativity, while also learning and appreciating different cultures. The performances were breathtaking, and everyone was left in awe.
In order to ensure the participation of international students in the ICCF-2023, letters were sent to universities around Yogyakarta, including Sanata Dharma, requesting permission for their international students to attend the event. These letters were addressed to the deans of the respective students’ programs, who were responsible for granting approval for their students' attendance. The process was inclusive and aimed at ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds could participate in the event.
Overall, the ICCF was a grand celebration of cultures and traditions from around the world. It was an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impression on everyone who participated.
|
