7 Unique Ways To Celebrate World Day for Cultural Diversity
The World Day for Cultural Diversity is an exciting occasion that emphasizes how far society has come in embracing different cultures. The holiday is sanctioned by the United Nations and is celebrated on May 21. It was first declared a holiday during the UN General Assembly in December 2002. The premise of the occasion is to celebrate dialogue and respect between various cultures, civilizations and peoples. If you’re looking for fun and unique ways to celebrate cultural diversity, here are seven suggestions:
- Volunteer To Serve Other Cultures
One of the most life-changing ways to celebrate other cultures is by serving them. You can join a service mission or even send a Ria Money Transfer to an organization that provides medical aid and service to those in need in other countries.
- Invite a Family From a Different Culture for Dinner
Inviting people from other cultures into your home is one of the best ways to learn from them firsthand. You could ask a family you trust from another culture to share dinner with you. Ask them to bring an item of food that is culturally significant to them, and plan to prepare an item of food that is culturally significant to you. When they arrive, you can exchange stories about your different cultures.
- Visit a Cultural Museum
If there is a museum or a traveling exhibit near you that is dedicated to other cultures, make the effort to check it out. You’ll get a rare and beautiful glimpse into other cultures that you may not otherwise see. You may even be able to take a virtual online tour of a museum if you don’t live in a city that has one dedicated to other cultures.
- Read About Great Influencers From Other Cultures
The greatest influencers and thinkers come from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Make the effort during World Day for Cultural Diversity to read about some of them. Here are a few suggestions:
- Socrates
- Rumi
- Aristotle
- Confucius
- Ibn Khaldun
- Avicenna
- Ganesh
- Homer
- Pythagoras
Read about some of their greatest achievements and philosophies. Discuss the differences in their cultural backgrounds and how those differences may have helped them develop their various ways of thinking.
- Listen to Cultural Music
If you have never discovered music from different cultures before, you’re in for a treat! Cultural music can not only increase your understanding and appreciation of other peoples, but it may also help you perform executive functions better, according to a study from Northwestern University. During the study, it was discovered that people who grew up listening to both Western and Indian music tend to be better at executive functions like problem-solving, planning and multitasking. So, put on those headphones and start listening!
- Go To a Different Place of Worship
Want to get an up-close look at what other cultures and religions believe? Simply visit a place of worship that’s different from your own this weekend. Instead of just sitting there, actually participate in the celebration. Expand your horizons by immersing yourself in another way of celebrating and believing. You’ll come away from the experience with a deeper understanding of how other people worship.
- Visit Another Country
If you have the budget to do so, visit another country and see what other cultures are like. Try to avoid “tourist traps” that are generally not indicative of the local culture. Instead, visit small towns and villages that give you a more accurate view of what life is really like for people in the area.
If you can’t visit another country, consider donating money to organizations around the world that celebrate cultural diversity. You can securely send money through an international money transfer. When you send money online, you don’t need to worry about cash or a check being potentially intercepted during the mailing process.
