Stuttgart, Germany - UPF in Stuttgart, Germany, was inspired that the UN declared this year the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures and decided to dedicate its annual intercultural event to this motto.
The UPF team in Stuttgart, being itself very international, invited friends, neighbors, and Ambassadors for Peace, asking all to contribute something to the gathering from their different cultures.
There were 40 participants, young and old, from 12 nations representing five continents. A variety of food, drinks, and specialities from different countries was served, accompanied by a display of typical items and literature from Iraq, Japan, and Korea.
The event opened with an explanation of the meaning and goals of the UN International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures. Afterwards, the first performances related to North and South America, including a composition by an American band leader played by a young participant on the piano, a dance in a colourful Peruvian costume, a report about the scientific expeditions of Alexander von Humboldt through South and Central America, and ending with the song, "I see you" from the movie Avatar, sung by a young girl.
After a coffee break, where delicious international specialties were sampled, performances expressed the cultures of Europe and the Far East. We enjoyed an emotional Italian love song and three passionate Spanish dances, followed by two romantic poems written by Eduard Moerike and Joseph von Eichendorff, both from Germany. The oldest participant spontaneously recited poems in two languages from his hometown, which was in Czechoslovakia at that time. Four Japanese women ended the performances with a delightful song and dance about cherry blossoms.
Two new Ambassadors for Peace were appointed, and the program concluded with group photos. Afterwards, people could request their name to be written in either Arabic or Japanese/Chinese calligraphy. Guests said they looked forward to invitations to future events.
Donations given at the event, totalling 100 Euros, were sent to the people of Haiti, who suffered so much because of the recent earthquakes.