FAU’s Davie campus held their sixth annual Diversity Block Party hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs on Friday, March 28 from 6 to 9 p.m.

The event — held every spring semester since 2009 — celebrates FAU’s diverse student body through different activities, dance performances and various ethnic dishes.

“I’m very proud of our student leaders in celebration of diversity at FAU,” said Broward Multicultural Affairs Associate Director Karen Esteves.

This year, Broward Student Government chose to promote countries based on their own cultural backgrounds. Haiti, Jamaica, Colombia, India, China and Nigeria were at the forefront of the event.

“FAU is a very diverse school and people always ask me where I’m from. It’s very fun that our classmates are representing our countries,” said junior psychology major Shaina Rashid.

Different flags hung above each table where students learned about the country’s unique history. Some tables took a more hands-on approach with their activities, like Colombia’s cardboard cut-out of a chiva (a wooden bus) and China’s shui-mo hua (ink wash painting).

“It expresses spirituality,” said senior business management major Stephanie Latimer about the use of shui-mo hua.

Nearby, three students representing Nigeria wore traditional attire while playing a small soccer game.

“Soccer is the most popular sport in Nigeria. Everyone loves soccer more than football or basketball,” said Broward Campus governor Confidence Okoye. “We did this event to show everyone that we [Africa] are the best of the world.”

At 6:45 p.m. the John Wai Kung Fu Academy performed a Chinese dragon dance captivating students and guests with their colorful costumes and spectacles. The Soley Inc. dancers performed traditional African-style choreography and Indian dancers showcased their contemporary folk dance.

“It’s a big part of our culture. If we don’t display that, it’s a huge gap [in our culture],” said Rashid on the style of Indian dance performed.

“The Chinese dragons performance was excellent,” said accounting graduate student Celito Dorsainvil.

The most popular event was the food featuring staple dishes from each respective country. Lines quickly formed as students sampled various foods from around the world.

“It’s my first time and the food is my favorite event,” said graduate account student Viveka Sawh. “I liked the Mongolian Beef and Kabsa rice.”

Attendance may have been low but the overall energy of the event was fully charged.

“You can’t beat this,” said Dorsainvil. “Free food, free shows and you get the learning experience of different cultures.”

For upcoming events hosted on the Davie campus, like the Davie campus Program Board’s Facebook page