The ICC has always been a great help in meeting new people and discovering new cultures in Japan as an exchange student, and I think this event represents that character well.
The event started with short presentations by Instituto Cervantes and Waseda’s very own Spanish student supporters, who gave brief introductions to Spanish culture and history, as well as daily life in places like Madrid and Ibiza. Then, Waseda’s flamenco circle, ¡VAMOS!, performed a few traditional flamenco dances, while also explaining their significance in Spanish culture.
The second half of the night has to be my personal highlight. Supplied generously with authentic Spanish tapas, wine, and beer, I had the opportunity to interact with the other participants in the event. I met both new friends and unexpectedly ran into some old friends who also happened to attend. Being in good company with good food and drink is one of my favourite things, and this part of the event definitely made that happen. The trivia quiz at the end of the night also allowed me to have some competitive fun with everyone I had met. The night ended earlier than I would have wanted, but I walked out with new friends and new, culturally rich experiences.
Having been exposed to various cultures before coming to Tokyo on exchange, I had a vague idea of what to expect from the event. However, after watching flamenco live for the first time, getting a small glimpse into daily life in Spain, and spending time with old and new friends over authentic Spanish treats, the Spanish night went above and beyond my expectations. The fact that I got to enjoy it together with other people made it even more fun and opened my eyes to different perspectives from all over the world.
Thank you, as always, to the ICC staff for their continuous hard work organising these events for the student body. Special thanks, as well, to the supporters for the time and effort they put into making the Spanish night happen, and to ¡VAMOS! and the sponsors for the performance and the products without which the night would not have been complete. I am looking forward to seeing even more events like these take place in the future, showcasing the diverse cultures of the students of Waseda University.
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- Photos by ICC
