Celebration of Culture events
Two or three times a year, we have special events celebrating a particular culture or tradition. These are an opportunity to taste delicious food, hear fantastic music, learn about fascinating traditions, intriguing history and stories that bring to light some of the ways that families or workplaces or worshiping communities might function differently to what is seen as 'normal' here in the UK. Let's get to know one another and find out more about each other's backgrounds, worldviews, family lives and special memories!
Watch this space for upcoming Celebration of Culture events! Also if you'd like to suggest something that's particularly important or special to you, or if you'd be interested in hosting or helping to organise a Celebration of Culture event, let us know and we'd be delighted to explore possibilities with you.
SEE BELOW FOR PAST EVENTS
Nowruz - Persian New Year Celebration!
In Spring each year a group of us from a variety of different cultures and backgrounds come together to celebrate Nowruz - Persian New Year! We decorate the Nowruz Table and discuss the symbolism of the seven special objects on the table, and think about where God might be at work in those different areas of our lives. We share some delicious Persian food together, listen to one another's stories, hear about a variety of diverse New Year traditions, delight in the joy of Persian music (and dance!), and have a special time together.
Celebration of Kurdish Culture
At the end of 2022 we had a wonderful evening together celebrating Kurdish culture - and we hope to do this again some time soon if possible! We sat on a carpet to share an immense and delicious dinner of fantastic Kurdish food; we listened to Kurdish music and danced together; some people tried their hand at the Daf, a traditional Kurdish musical instrument - and we had a great time. Childhood memories were shared in conversation (mainly about the food!), friendships were formed and deepened, a lot of laughter and a few tears were shared, and new memories were made that will last a lifetime. We're so thankful to have had this opportunity, and we hope to do a similar event soon.
Celebration of Romanian Culture
In Spring 2022 we came together to celebrate Romanian culture! We had a fascinating quiz in which we learnt a great deal about Romanian inventions, traditions, history and achievements. We enjoyed some delicious Romanian snacks and treats, and we shared some stories together. We also spent time praying for some of the Romanian folks we know both in Leicester and in Romania, and then we put together some small and beautiful blessing cards with words of affirmation and prayers both in English and in Romanian, to give to Romanian people we know here. It was a special afternoon, and a great way to begin our 'Celebration of Culture' events.