On 10 April, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences – MATE hosted its annual International Dinner, a vibrant and inspiring event that brought together students, staff, and distinguished guests from FAO (Food and Agriculture Organizations), the Angolan and Malaysian embassies for an evening of cultural exchange, artistic performances, and culinary exploration. The event showcased the richness of world traditions and the togetherness that diversity can promote within a multi-campus community.

The opening ceremony featured a captivating performance by MATE Forduló Folk Dance Ensemble bringing traditional Hungarian and Transylvanian dances to life.

PERFORMANCES THAT MOVED THE SOUL

While a nine-member jury tasted over 50 culinary art creations by chefs from 22 nations in five categories (starter, soup, dinner, dessert, and beverage), participants were treated to a series of outstanding performances by MATE students representing cultures from all over the world. Among them was a Bharatanatyam dance, which combined Indian rhythm with modern choreography. Traditional Nigerian dance, Syrian and Kazakhstan music, a Hungarian piano recital, and a fusion of Indian and Bangladeshi dance were all featured, demonstrating the university community's diverse cultural tapestry. One of the evening's highlights was a performance by Angolan students, who introduced the audience to semba, a traditional Angolan dance recognized for its energy, storytelling, and cultural significance.

Students enjoying during the International Dinner at MATE

E³UDRES² PUB QUIZ & DANCE FLOOR FUN

Following the performances, the stage was set for local projects in the municipality to introduce their activities and programmes. Then students enjoyed a cultural and scientific pub quiz led by E³UDRES² Alliance representatives, enhancing the evening with fun and collaborative learning.

The evening finished with an interactive Hungarian folk-dance session, in which participants learned traditional steps and shared the joy of dancing together.

AWARDS, APPRECIATION & AFTERPARTY VIBES

As the evening came to a close, the winners of the culinary competition and audience voting were revealed, with the most beloved dishes and performances receiving well-deserved recognition. The jury faced a challenging task in judging such an impressive collection of entries.
Awards were presented in several categories:
Best Starter and Best Dessert went to the team from Malaysia, Best Soup to Iraq, Best Main Dish and Audience Favourite to Morocco, and Best Beverage to Sri Lanka. In addition to these categories, certificates of appreciation and gifts honouring their contributions and efforts were given to all other competing teams.

The evening culminated in a lively after party, where students continued to connect, dance, and celebrate until late into the night.

With nearly 300 participants, including contributions from dozens of nations, the International Dinner 2025 served as a living example of MATE’s commitment to intercultural understanding and international engagement. The success of this event every year stands as a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and the shared joy of cultural expression at the heart of MATE’s international community.