After the success of last year’s International Evening, expectations were high for the PTE ÁOK English-German Student Council (EGSC) – and once again, they were exceeded on the night of February 22nd. The evening’s theme, “The Royals,” was symbolized by a crowned golden globe, representing “the rich tapestry of cultures from around the world, united in a stunning display of majestic beauty,” as described by the organizers. The Expo Center was packed with attendees, from University of Pécs (PTE) students to VIP guests, all buzzing with excitement and energy for what the night had in store. The show commenced with the infectious energy of the emcees, Milica and Máté.
The gala welcomed guests with a delicious display of food tables representing various countries within the student body. Saoirse, a PTE student from the USA, shared her experience: “I had the chance to try food from 12 different tables that night. Each one was unique and featured new dishes compared to last year. The sheer amount of food prepared at each table was incredible.” Students from each country were tasked with designing the menu and bringing it to life, allowing others to experience a taste of their cultural heritage. A great deal of time and effort went into the preparation and presentation of each dish, involving days of planning, shopping, and cooking. The students truly put their best foot forward, proudly sharing delicacies from their home countries. From Canada’s savory poutine to South Korea’s flavorful dak-galbi, each dish reflected the diverse cultures that made up the student community. When asked about her favorite dish of the evening, Saoirse expressed her love for Norway’s sour cream porridge with lamb.
As the evening’s stage manager, Emily – a third-year dentistry student and EGSC vice president from Germany – spearheaded the catwalk portion of the event alongside her colleague, Fancy. Organizing a large-scale event like this was no easy feat. Emily shared, “My biggest concern was making sure that everyone got to the stage on time. Any delay could have thrown off the schedule. But thanks to meticulous preparation and great teamwork, everything ran like clockwork.” The crowd cheered with excitement as representatives from 21 countries took the stage to showcase thir national attire. From the Philippines’ vibrant María Clara and traditional T’boli wear to Morocco’s elegant, intricately embellished kaftans, the stage came alive with a breathtaking display of cultural heritage, celebrating the rich traditions and artistry of each nation. Many memorable moments unfolded throughout the night, including Palestine opening the show with the Dabkeh and Chile breaking into dance moves to “Diva” by Beyoncé. Emily added, “What makes this night so special is the spirit of unity that fills the air. Every year, I am amazed by the warmth and openness of the people who come together here. The International Evening is more than just an event – it’s a testament to the beauty of cultural exchange.”
The final segment of the main event featured performances, opening with a traditional folk dance from Laos that was met with loud cheers from the crowd. Emely, from Germany and an EGSC officer responsible for the performances, reflected on her experience attending and organizing her first International Evening: “I found that communication between the organization and the participants was the most challenging part. However, seeing everything come together was my favorite moment, as it made us realize that all the hard work was worth it.” The performances showcased a variety of talents, from Japanese martial arts to an acoustic performance from Pakistan. Other countries that took the stage included Congo, Egypt, Indonesia, Norway, Albania, Kosovo, Japan, Mongolia, Germany, Jordan, South Korea, Myanmar, Yemen, the USA, Nigeria, Chile, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. The night concluded with an energetic performance from Sierra Leone, which electrified the crowd and set the tone for the rest of the evening. When asked about her thoughts on experiencing her first International Evening, Emely shared: “The event was very interesting, and I loved it. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate and learn about different cultures.”
The guests danced the night away as Pécs’ hottest DJs took the stage, featuring DJ Praze and DJ Taha, who played a mixture of beats ranging from Latin music to Afrobeats. International Evening has proven to be the most sought-after event of the year, thanks to the time and effort invested in its creation by EGSC and other organizing bodies. The evening was a perfect reminder of how diversity brings people together, celebrating different cultures and fostering a sense of community.
Images by Csortos Szabolcs
Roselle Torres
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