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Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.Learn about winter and holiday traditions around the world through virtual tours and activities from Pitt’s Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs.
An open house on Dec. 5 launches the 30th year of winter festivities, and events through Dec. 12 will showcase cultural performances, traditions and recipes of the 31 cultures and countries represented in the beloved rooms.
New director of the Nationality Rooms Kati Csoman noted that, while limits on in-person gatherings have meant the rooms can’t be decorated this year, the virtual format will still allow a fun and educational experience.
“The virtual event will allow visitors to experience more cultural and artistic performances, learn about holiday traditions and food customs, and to listen and watch wonderful children’s stories from around the world,” she said.
As usual, tours will be led by members of Quo Vadis, the student group formed in 1944 that educates the public about the rooms and their features. Additional activities will include a Greek Christmas Trivia Weekend, a performance from the Scottish Balmoral Pipes and Drums Band, a lesson on making your own Romanian Sorcovas and more.
The official program schedule will launch on the Nationality Rooms website on Dec. 5. In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek:
- Dec. 5: Virtual Holiday Open House Kickoff
- Dec. 5: Winter Holiday Traditions
- Dec. 6: Winter and Holiday Recipes
- Dec. 7: Cultural Performances
- Dec. 8: Traditional Holiday Crafts
- Dec. 9: Ornamentation
- Dec. 10: Storytelling and Children's Stories
- Dec. 11: Winter and Holiday Recipes
- Dec. 12: Winter Holiday Traditions
- Dec. 11 and Sunday, Dec. 12: Greek Christmas Trivia Weekend
Can’t wait to start celebrating? Take a look at this Facebook gallery of past Nationality Room holiday decorations.
— Kara Henderson