Under the Tree: Christmas Traditions Around the World

On 11 December, over one hundred international students of the University of Bologna gathered for the event Under the Tree: Christmas Traditions around the World to celebrate together and in a joyful atmosphere the arrival of the Christmas season.

Raffaella Campaner, Vice-Rector for International Relations, opened the event by emphasising how the diversity of the international student community is fundamental for the growth and global prestige of the University of Bologna.

The students then embarked on a journey through Christmas traditions guided by the Student Ambassadors, who shared stories and photos showcasing the customs, culinary delights and songs of their countries. Onyekachi Kizito Ugwu presented Christmas among the Nigerian Igbo tribe. Aiswarya Varadarajan Nair described the Christmas celebrations in Kerala, India, while Sára Fórián shared Hungarian traditions. Andrea Gerini and Zenone D'Ascenzo illustrated some Italian customs, such as the Christmas log.

With cardboard cut-outs, coloured markers and string, the participants then created personalised Christmas decorations, writing their “Christmas wishes” in their native language.

The decorations were hung on the tree in the atrium of the Bologna University Library, in Via Zamboni 33, creating a unique Christmas tree that symbolises the unity, intercultural exchange and diversity of the University of Bologna’s student community.