The FBK Club: Bringing Cultures Together

May 29, 2026

On May 21, the FBK community celebrated the many identities that enrich it, representing nearly 60 nationalities and united by a shared curiosity and enjoyment in discovering and sharing personal stories and cultural backgrounds. It was, as always, a joyful Babel of encounters, constantly evolving and sustained by volunteering and active participation.

The FBK Club brings people together through a variety of activities and initiatives, many of which can be suggested and organized by members themselves. A couple of times a year, it also hosts themed celebrations featuring different activities and contributions from those who wish to take part in the program.

This year’s spring party took place on May 21, the date of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002 following a suggestion by UNESCO. The event is dedicated to promoting pluralism and inclusion and highlighting the importance of intercultural dialogue for sustainable development and peace.

In this spirit, FBK organized the second edition of its “Festa dei Popoli” (Festival of Peoples), which brought together more than 200 participants from 58 different countries.

For a few hours, music, dance, food, languages, travel destinations, and many other cultural traditions took center stage, revealing what often remains implicit yet shapes and defines each of us: our unique personal stories.

It was a unique gathering and a valuable opportunity to unwind in between deadlines, meet new colleagues in an informal setting, and build trust through authentic relationships rooted in shared interests beyond the professional and disciplinary sphere.

The initiative was promoted by colleague Erica Iacob and featured 13 groups hosting dedicated stands that showcased various aspects of different cultural identities: geographic location, historical and natural attractions that might inspire future travel, traditional foods prepared by participants or brought directly from their countries of origin, handcrafted items, objects related to worship or home decoration, and more.