MCB Camp Pendleton

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Elida Ocegura (right), and Elizabeth Juarez (left), perform a traditional Mexican Ballet Folklorico Tapatio dance during Camp Pendleton’s 5th Annual Multicultural Day celebration at the 11 Area field, May 13. During the 4-hour affair, themed “Celebrate America,” local residents had the opportunity to visit more than 20 booths, filled with everything from foreign cuisines to cultural souvenirs.

Photo by Pfc. Michelle S. Mattei

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Cultures collide at Camp Pendleton’s multicultural celebration

17 May 2010 | Pfc. Michelle S. Mattei Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Hundreds from the base community poured onto Camp Pendleton’s 11 Area football field to experience the traditions of more than a dozen different cultures during Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton’s 5th Annual Multicultural Day Celebration, May 13.

During the 4-hour affair, themed “Celebrate America,” local residents had the opportunity to visit more than 20 booths, filled with everything from foreign cuisines to cultural souvenirs.

The event began at 11 a.m. and included a mixture of music, dancing and food. The crowd frequently stood captivated by the various performances, such as the music from a Mariachi band and intertribal Native American drummers, and traditional dances from Mexico, Thailand and Polynesia.

“It’s a great opportunity for everyone to explore different cultures and have fun at the same time,” said Sgt. Daren M. Cole, stableman, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., and member of the Corp’s only Mounted Color Guard.

A variety of Mexican style burritos, Italian ice and traditional American burgers were just a few of the international cuisines included at this year’s cultural celebration.

In addition to cultural food and dancing, many local residents found the multicultural celebration to be very educational. Many of the booths provided patrons with informational posters to further explain various customs, traditions and history.

"I love being able to share my culture with those who are interested,” said Ron Flores, a drummer with the Pechanga Reservation’s Intertribal Drum Group, in Temecula. “The only way to be able to understand each other’s differences is by coming together and being willing to learn about them.”

The multicultural day opened a window for patrons to see into the lives some Americans celebrate everyday. The event helped many realize that they are a just piece of something so much bigger, said Flores.

“Our country is becoming more and more diverse,” said Cpl. Benjamin P. Callahan, base administrative clerk, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. “Today, it’s not uncommon to see a variety of cultures coming together, and that’s what makes us such a strong nation.”

Elida Ocegura (right), and Elizabeth Juarez (left), perform a traditional Mexican Ballet Folklorico Tapatio dance during Camp Pendleton’s 5th Annual Multicultural Day celebration at the 11 Area field, May 13. During the 4-hour affair, themed “Celebrate America,” local residents had the opportunity to visit more than 20 booths, filled with everything from foreign cuisines to cultural souvenirs.

Photo by Pfc. Michelle S. Mattei

Download

Details

Cultures collide at Camp Pendleton’s multicultural celebration

17 May 2010 | Pfc. Michelle S. Mattei Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

PRINT

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Hundreds from the base community poured onto Camp Pendleton’s 11 Area football field to experience the traditions of more than a dozen different cultures during Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton’s 5th Annual Multicultural Day Celebration, May 13.

During the 4-hour affair, themed “Celebrate America,” local residents had the opportunity to visit more than 20 booths, filled with everything from foreign cuisines to cultural souvenirs.

The event began at 11 a.m. and included a mixture of music, dancing and food. The crowd frequently stood captivated by the various performances, such as the music from a Mariachi band and intertribal Native American drummers, and traditional dances from Mexico, Thailand and Polynesia.

“It’s a great opportunity for everyone to explore different cultures and have fun at the same time,” said Sgt. Daren M. Cole, stableman, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., and member of the Corp’s only Mounted Color Guard.

A variety of Mexican style burritos, Italian ice and traditional American burgers were just a few of the international cuisines included at this year’s cultural celebration.

In addition to cultural food and dancing, many local residents found the multicultural celebration to be very educational. Many of the booths provided patrons with informational posters to further explain various customs, traditions and history.

"I love being able to share my culture with those who are interested,” said Ron Flores, a drummer with the Pechanga Reservation’s Intertribal Drum Group, in Temecula. “The only way to be able to understand each other’s differences is by coming together and being willing to learn about them.”

The multicultural day opened a window for patrons to see into the lives some Americans celebrate everyday. The event helped many realize that they are a just piece of something so much bigger, said Flores.

“Our country is becoming more and more diverse,” said Cpl. Benjamin P. Callahan, base administrative clerk, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. “Today, it’s not uncommon to see a variety of cultures coming together, and that’s what makes us such a strong nation.”