By Nicole Falco
The turnout for the church's first multicultural celebration was much larger than anticipated. Following a noon mass, parishioners headed across the street to Holy Name's school where volunteers cooked and served food from more than 30 countries, including Columbia, Peru, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Japan and the Philippines. Many dressed in clothes representative of their ethnicity. Parishioners were also treated to an afternoon of entertainment from Philippine singers and Bavarian dancers to Peruvian folk dancers and "A Touch of Elvis."
"Diversity is what makes us unique. I believe that with all my heart. [Today] is an opportunity to celebrate what is special about each and every one of us," said Joann Antun, village trustee and multicultural celebration committee volunteer. "We are a tapestry."
"The day took almost a year to organize. What started out as 10 to 15 volunteers quickly turned into a number "too high to count," according to Carmen Roncal, multicultural celebration committee co-chair.
"In the beginning [when the church first opened] the community was mainly Irish and German; now it's made up of a lot of immigrants. We have 32 countries represented here and we are all proud to show our flags, decorate and offer food," Roncal said.
Youmi Hong, a parishioner for almost 20 years, wore a costume similar to one her mother might have worn a generation ago in South Korea.
"It's beautiful seeing all of the people together. Every culture has its own richness and beauty and it's good to understand other people's cultures. The more you open your mind the more you enjoy," Hong said. "Today I see diversity."
Many said they never realized just how diverse a community Valley Stream is, including Father Thomas Harold, Holy Name's pastor.
"No, I didn't realize we were so diversified. It's wonderful to see the costumes and see how many people treasure their heritage. I think this is beyond everyone's expectations," Harold said.
The celebration allowed 11-year-old Dana London the opportunity to speak Filipino, which she rarely gets to do, and sample Indian food, which she had never tasted before. The Clear Stream Avenue School student was wearing an outfit that might be worn in the Philippines and participated in the noon mass.
Larry and Betty Latone, parishioners for three years, also took the opportunity to try food from around the world, including Japanese, Dominican and Chilean.
"We tried different things we really wouldn't normally eat and got to see if we like it," Larry said.
There were musical and dance numbers for all to enjoy. "Estampas Folkloricas," a Long Island-based Peruvian dance group, offered one performance. The 20-member troupe was first organized two years ago and has performed throughout Long Island and Queens. The group's emcee, Raul Zevallos, explained that each dance is symbolic. For instance, one dance the group performed, a dance for young couples, is traditionally reserved for September to coincide with the harvest. The dance is supposed to illustrate a man's ability to provide for a potential partner.
"Each dance is so meaningful for the person, the soul, the spirit; it's not just for the beat," Zevallos said.
