[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/closing-ceremonies-2004.jpg” caption=”Dancers perform at last year’s closing ceremonies.”]Two hundred million years ago, there was no north, south, east, or west. No borders, no countries, no continents; only Pangaea. Now in this space and time, students will celebrate what once was and can now be.

More than 900 students are expected to attend the third annual Pangaea Multicultural Show at McMaster on Sunday, March 20. The event will bring together students in an attempt to unify the celebration of various cultures.

“Pangaea is about creating awareness and building an appreciation for our multicultural and diverse community,” said Sangita Patel, fourth-year honours commerce student and one of the student coordinators of the event. “Each cultural group is encouraged to share its traditional arts, music, drama, food, and history. Although all efforts will be geared towards the execution of a single event, the reward lies in the process of bringing fellow McMaster students together. In peace and respect we exchange ideas, perspectives and opinions.”

The event will take place in the McMaster University Student Centre. It will open with a cultural performance from 12:30 p.m.; pavilions will be set up from 25:30 p.m.; and there will be an evening performance from 56:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10 and are available at the Compass Information Desk in MUSC.

Each pavilion will create the sights, sound, taste, smell and a general feel for the culture, as well as serve various types of food. Each guest will be provided a beverage, plate, napkin, and cutlery and will visit the pavilions using a passport ticket' guide.

Says student co-ordinator Jennifer Cruz: “To attend the Pangaea Show is an experience in itself – to learn about different cultures and feel the overall positive energy. But to participate through a pavilion or performance is where the essence of Pangaea lies. It's the people you meet, the friendships you build and the deeper sense of understanding gained of the cultures while preparing for the event over the year.”

Organized by an independent student group, the event is supported by McMaster's Office of the International Students' Advisor, McMaster Students Union Diversity Services, and various cultural student groups and associations on campus.

For more information about the event contact Sangita Patel at 905-518-8301 or e-mail patels28@mcmaster.ca