International Students Introduce Their Celebrations

The Chonnam Tribune features this section to share the voices of foreign students at Chonnam National University. For this issue, we interviewed students about traditional holidays and festivities in their countries. This gives us the opportunity to share the voices of and learn from those who have experienced things that many of us have not. – Ed.

Can you share some traditional holidays that you celebrate in your country?
In Turkmenistan, we celebrate a traditional holiday called Nowruz. This is a very special holiday because people celebrate it to welcome spring, and its abundance gives hope for a bountiful agricultural season. During the celebration, people cook a variety of delicious foods, visit their neighbors, and share sweets with one another.

What foods or dishes are commonly prepared during Nowruz?
We usually cook sumalak, a sweet porridge made from wheat. It originally comes from Turkish cuisine, and its name means “swollen wheat” in an old Turkic language. Women gather together to enjoy the process of making the dish. To make it, you have to put the wheat in water until it begins to sprout. It turns into a paste when mixed with some water, oil, and flour.

How do communities in your country come together to celebrate Nowruz?
During Nowruz, concerts and performances are held in open areas. Dance troupes, especially groups of young people, perform traditional dances like kushtdepdi. Also, as part of the festival, giant swings, large enough to hold 10 to 15 people, are set up for everyone to swing together. This tradition symbolizes the unity of the people and the shared joy of the celebration.

What are some American festivals or holidays that showcase your culture and traditions?
First is the Fourth of July, called Independence Day, where you can see fireworks, BBQs, and parades. It’s all about celebrating freedom and the American dream. Second is the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) held in my hometown, Las Vegas. People dance to electronic music and enjoy the spectacle of vibrant lights and performances. It’s the ultimate celebration of music, art, and creativity.

How has Independence Day evolved or adapted to contemporary times?
The Fourth of July has evolved a lot over the years. It is still about celebrating American independence, but the way we celebrate it has changed. In the past, the day was mostly about family gatherings and small-town parades. Now, it is a nationwide party with fireworks, shows, concerts, and even online celebrations.

Can you share some personal experiences that highlight the uniqueness of EDC?
I’ve had friends who attended EDC for the first time, and their faces are like pure magic when they step into the festival grounds. There’s something infectious about the energy—the music, the colorful neon lights, and the people themselves. What started as a warehouse party in Los Angeles has now expanded worldwide, with EDC Korea 2025 coming soon.

Are there holidays or festivities in your country that you find similar to those in South Korea?
The Philippines has a celebration somewhat similar to Chuseok, called the Pahiyas Festival, rooted in showing gratitude for a bountiful harvest. As the Philippines is a Catholic-majority country, Filipino farmers give thanks to the patron saint of farmers by decorating their houses with colorful rice wafers, fruits, vegetables, and artwork.

What is the traditional attire worn during the Pahiyas Festival?
During the Pahiyas Festival, farmers wear straw hats called salakot paired with colorful costumes matching the locals’ vibrantly decorated homes. Festival participants may also wear traditional Filipino attire such as barong tagalog and filipiniana that are embroidered or decorated with floral and agricultural-themed designs.

Can you describe any activities that are common during the festival?
Families gather to elaborately decorate their houses through the creative use of fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts. It is also celebrated with a parade featuring folk dances and traditional Filipino music. Locals usually prepare garlic sausage called Lucban longganisa and stir-fried noodles called pancit habhab, which are often shared with visitors to showcase the region’s rich culinary heritage.

By Antiquando Daniela, Reporter