CSUN Brings Culture to Campus With 20th Annual Carnaval

  • Brazilian Samba dancers brought culture to CSUN during Carnaval 2017. Photo by Luis Garcia.

  • Students, faculty and staff enjoyed free coconut water during Carnaval 2017. Photo by Luis Garcia.

  • Students enjoyed lunch from Central America during Carnaval 2017. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Students could get free henna tattoos during Carnaval 2017. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Native American dancers brought culture to CSUN at Carnaval 2017. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • African drummers brought culture to CSUN during Carnaval 2017. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Students joined in on the fun during Carnaval 2017. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Students snap a shot in the photo booth at Carnaval 2017. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Students join in on the fun during the Brazilian Samba dance. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Students enjoy free food and beverages provided at Carnaval 2017. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

California State University, Northridge students, faculty and staff experienced the 20th annual Carnaval in the University Student Union on April 6th.

Carnaval was an all-day event beginning at noon and lasting until 7:30 p.m.

The multi-cultural event featured live performances from Brazilian Samba dancers, African drummers, Chinese dragon dancers and Native American hoop dancers.

Students, faculty and staff got a taste of cuisines from different regions of the world. Lunch featured Central American items like pupusas, tortas and horchata and dinner featured items from Asia.

The 20th annual Carnaval was brought to CSUN by graduate student Xiomara Carranza for the second year in a row.

“For this year, because it’s the 20th anniversary, I really wanted to make it a celebration,” Carranza said. “My goal was to create an open mindedness and an idea of being inclusive within all cultures. I wanted students to at least encounter or have some type of connection to a culture that’s not their own.”

Booths with candy from around the world, arts and crafts and giveaways were also part of the event.

“This is my second time attending Carnaval and I think [this one] definitely topped last year’s,” said senior Angel Lozoya. “CSUN always knows how to capture the true essence of different cultures.”

,