The American University of Antigua held its annual Taster’s Day event at the multi-purpose Cultural Center in Antigua on Saturday, November 14.

Over 400 students and faculty attended the event, and all proceedings were used to benefit the local community. Both Cedar Grove Elementary School and the HOPE charity benefited equally from the funds raised.

Dona Hasou, AUA’s Student Government Association president and Vik Walia, 4th-semester medical student and this year’s Taster’s Day coordinator, started the event with a brief history regarding the meaning of Taster’s Day. They explained that it is a special day dedicated to the recognition of the richness and strength of ethno-cultural diversity on the island and within the university. Many pre-med, nursing, and medical students and faculty presented performances. Some students performed Bollywood, Bhangra, African, Latin, and Jamaican dances. In addition, there were vocal and instrumental music performances, stand-up comedy routines and two fashion shows; one performance was a tribute to the life and work of Michael Jackson. Prior to the performances, attendees enjoyed a wide variety of student-prepared ethnic dishes from countries like India, America, Ghana, Nigeria, and the Caribbean.

The students who organized the event also gave special thanks to the sponsors who helped make Taster’s Day possible: LIME service provider, Australian Homemade Ice Cream, 1st Choice Foods, Epicurean, Bayhouse, Evelyn’s Hair Salon, GEM Jewelers, Townhouse Megastore, and C&C Wine Bar. Personal thanks went out to the Taster’s Day committee, AUA faculty and staff, the student body, and the Antiguan community.

All in all, this year’s Taster’s Day journey “around the world and back in one night” resulted in a great time for all and a splendid opportunity to have some fun and celebrate local diversity while raising money for a good cause.