The day to have it all: Happy Cultural Festival!

What are your plans today?
Maybe… you are up for learning Salsa? Wanna hang out in the sun with some Brazilian Caipirinhas that you just learned to make yourself? Fancy some American peanut butter cookies, Italian pasta or Chinese dumplings? Today is the day to have it all! To travel the world for free (well, almost – for 3-5 Euros) and without a passport – to eat, drink, dance, learn and have fun: it’s Cultural Festival day!

What’s the King’s Day for the Dutch, that’s the ISN Cultural Festival for the international students in Leiden! Every year when the academic term is almost over but most students haven’t left the city yet, the internationals come together to share something amazing, beautiful, interesting or delicious their countries and cultures have to offer. People always put so much effort in cooking, baking, decorating, preparing a dance or music performance, thinking of a workshop they can offer… and it’s so worth it! The outcome is always a colourful, joyful and super tasty festival of happiness!

I went there early today, when some people were still preparing, to have a short wonder around, have a bite here and a chat there, and to take some pictures to give you a little impression, but mainly to tell you: go and enjoy yourself!

This year, the festival takes place in the beautiful Hooglandse Kerk

Team USA: most delicious peanut butter and chocolate chips cookies! Thank you ladies! Also try celery with cinnamon sticks!

Colourful Argentinia

Mustn’t miss the Dutch goodies!

looks promising…

Wow! Eiffel Tower made of cheese!!

Ever tried duck eggs? Nothing for me, but they look interesting, I must admit!

Apples and Oranges with Mexican spices which “you put on anything to make it delicious”! Yum!

German “Kartoffelpuffer” – Hash Browns with apple sauce. These bring me back to my childhood: my grandma always used to make them. So tasty!

Art in the Hooglandse Kerk

This little friend was lucky enough to sponge some of the delicious food as well.

The beautiful Hooglandse Kerk is really worth a visit too. Earlier, some of the stalls looked a little bit lost in the big space, so make sure it’s gonna be full of people in the afternoon and drop by! Until 6 pm in the Hooglandse Kerk, and tonight party at the Scheltema, starting at 20.30 pm. Check it all out here!