By: Richard Kim, Contributing Writer
Photo courtesy of USA Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers

On Nov. 21, 2024, the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) held its second Cultural Night Market in the Student Center Amphitheater. The event took place during International Education Week, and it was held in collaboration with numerous other organizations, including the Indian Student Association (ISA), the Muslim Student Association (MSA), the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE), the Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Honor Society (AED), and Global USA. Most of the organizations had stalls serving food from their respective cultures, and AED sold American desserts such as snickerdoodle cookies and pumpkin bread.

“[This event was] an opportunity to promote connection, representation, and unity among attendees,” said Kevin Nguyen, VSA president. “Witnessing the passion and dedication of vendors and student groups two years ago encouraged us to provide a platform for them again.”

The first Cultural Night Market was held by VSA in the spring semester of 2023. The premise of the event was to have different culture-based student organizations bring and sell foods in a “market-style” layout to raise funds for their clubs. It is comparable to the annual Mobile International Food Festival.

Dev Mehta, ISA treasurer, shared that Cultural Night Market was “a good opportunity for [him] to get back in touch with Indian culture.”

“As an organization, we always pride ourselves on encouraging students to try something new and diversify their palates,” said Ryan Bates, LASO president. “Food is where people come together, and it is one thing that unifies us.”

“People were freaking out over the baklava at the MSA booth—it was so good,” said Izabel Valdez, SASE vice president. “I encourage everyone to pull up to the next Cultural Night Market next year. It’s a good opportunity to socialize with people and try good food.”

The date for next year’s Cultural Night Market has not yet been determined, but there are still other opportunities to interact with and learn from the different cultural groups on campus.

“Looking ahead, we aim to see the night market grow even more by featuring more cultural performance, increasing the number of vendors by welcoming new student organizations and local businesses, and attracting an even larger audience,” said Nguyen. “Our ultimate goal is to establish the Cultural Night Market as a staple event on South’s campus and in Mobile.”