Arepa Showdown Brings Together Food, Culture and Community

More than 200 students filled the Globe Auditorium and lobby on Oct. 1 for the Arepa Showdown, a collaboration between the CGE, PorColombia, the Venezuelan Student Association (VenSA) and the Hispanic-Latine Student Union (HLSU). Student leaders from the partnering organizations made a presentation before packed audience on the similarities and differences between Colombian and Venezuelan arepas, highlighting their origins, ingredients, flavors and cultural significance. In addition, the members of the student organization helped prepare and serve two featured arepas: Venezuela's reina pepiada, filled with chicken and avocado salad, and Colombia's arepa de choclo, a crispy sweet corn arepa topped with cheese.

“For Venezuela, the arepa symbolizes tradition, culture and family,” said Sofia Gomez, VenSA president and fourth-year criminology student. “The arepa can be eaten on any occasion, from everyday meals to special occasions.” Gomez said the event was especially meaningful because it highlighted two cultures that are closely connected yet distinct. “Venezuelan and Colombian cultures are very similar but also so rich in their own ways, so when highlighted together, you can really appreciate both.” Held during Hispanic Heritage Month, the event also showcased the many traditions represented across FSU's Hispanic-Latine community. Gomez noted that events like the Arepa Showdown help highlight the student organizations that make up the HLSU community and provide opportunities to share their cultures with others.

Arepa Showdown attendees enjoyed sampling both arepas while learning about the history and traditions behind them. Some favored the crispy sweetness of the Colombian arepa de choclo, while others preferred the flavorful filling of the Venezuelan reina pepiada. “I came to experience a cultural exchange between Colombia and Venezuela, and because I like arepas,” said first-year Master of Social Work student Ramses Acosta.

By combining food, education and student leadership, the Arepa Showdown provided a meaningful opportunity for students to explore Colombian and Venezuelan cultures while celebrating the diversity of FSU's Hispanic-Latine community. The event also highlights the CGE’s commitment to fostering intercultural learning through collaborative programming with campus departments and student organizations. Students or faculty interested in partnering with the CGE to host an intercultural event at the Globe, or becoming involved in future programs and events, can contact CGE Intercultural Programs Manager, Alek Valles, at cge-programs@fsu.edu