Essay: Planning a festival representing four cultures (USA, Europe, Asia, Middle East)

The represented cultures
Our festival will represent four cultures. These four cultures are from the USA, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. For our festival, we have selected a few countries per region that are going to represent the culture of that region at our festival.
Since the USA is one country divided into states, we focused on the different regions of the USA, such as the Midwest and the South.
To represent Europe, we have selected the countries England, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Germany.
For Asia we have chosen the countries China, Korea, Thailand and Indonesia.
The countries that will represent the Middle East will be the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Turkey and Iran.
Report on the USA
General information
Inhabitants of the USA tend to be open and friendly people, but they do like to get straight to the point and are therefore quitter direct. Americans like having a good laugh. They are also very big on sports, especially football, basketball, baseball and hockey.
In the United States, ethnicity has a strong influence on community status relations which results in Caucasians and African American living separate from the other inhabitants in most areas of the US.
For many American families, the typical home situation is the man goes to work and the woman stays at home and if the woman does work, she is likely to have a lower salary than the man. (Centre for intercultural learning, 2009)
How do people behave towards food?
Breakfast is mostly eaten at home, but some schools offer breakfast so children may not have eaten anything before going to school. People who go to work often eat their breakfast on the go. Children typically eat lunch at school during lunch break. Adults who work will either have a lunch break or have a working lunch, which means they will eat their lunch at their desk while working (Kumar, 2015). Most families in the United States do sit down and eat together. Eating together used to be the family sat down a table and talked to each other without any other distractions. Nowadays most families admit that the TV is always on during their dinner, or at least most of the time. In some families it is even consider being normal to text or use a cell phone for other purposes during dinner (CBS, 2010). People in the United States eat their meals with knife and fork.
When Americans want to grab a quick bite they can go to a fast food place, but something that has become very big in the United States are the food trucks. (Restaurant Engine, 2015)
Something else that is very popular in the US is competitive eating. (Blitz, 2014)
What are the most popular dishes in the USA?
The cuisine of the United States reflects its history. The European colonization of the Americas yielded the introduction of a number of ingredients and cooking styles. This is why dishes like hot dogs, pizza and hamburgers, which have their origins in other countries are being considered typically American. (Zimmermann, 2015)
The modern cuisine of the United States is very much regional in nature.
In the Western part of the USA there are a lot of fruit orchards. Seafood, meat and potatoes are also very popular in the Western part of the United States. Salsas and relishes are very often added to dishes. In the Western part of the USA, people eat three meals a day. In the desert regions, lunch usually consists of a lighter menu of cool foods because of the intense heat that occurs in the desert. (Advameg, 2015)
The foods of the Midwest of the United States are typically considered to be simple and hearty. Beef, pork, poultry and fish are very popular in the Midwestern states. Rice and wheat bread are typical additions to dishes. People in the Midwestern states eat three meals a day. Breakfast is often hearty and lunch is very simple. Dinner is considered the main meal of the day. (Advameg, 2015)
Typical foods of the Southern States are corn, pork and fried chicken. Southern people tend to fry other meats the way they fry their chicken. Catfish and shrimp are being eaten all across the South. Dinner is the main meal in the Southern states with some sort of pie often being the dessert. Soft drinks and iced tea are very popular beverages in the Southern United States. A well known Southern snack is the corn dog. (Advameg, 2015)
Each state in the Northeast part of the United States has its own signature foods that together make the cuisine of the Northeast. As a whole, the Northeast is famous for its seafood. Fruits are often added into meals. A real Northeast original dish is the boiled dinner. People often drink tea, coffee, wine or beer after a meal. Popular desserts in the Northeast include fruit pies, puddings and milkshakes. In the Northeast people eat three meals a day. North-eastern, people typically lunch at a restaurant. Dinners often include an appetizer, a main meal, and dessert. In between the main meal and the dessert, people tend to drink some coffee or tea. (Advameg, 2015)
What religions can be found in the USA and do these influence their dishes?
Nearly every known religion is practiced in the United States but by far, most of its inhabitants identify as Christians (Wilson, 2014). In the states located in the Western part of the United states, Buddhism is the second largest religion tradition whereas in states in the Eastern part of the United States the Islam is the second largest religion tradition (Enwemeka, 2014). Each religion has their own holidays and most of the time these include traditional meals and in this way, the religions found in the USA influence the dishes. Since Christianity is by far the biggest religious group in the United States, their holidays are the most common. Christmas and Easter are the biggest holidays.
A traditional Christmas meal typically includes roast turkey/beef, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes with pumpkin pie or coconut cake for dessert. Very popular foods eaten during Easter are ham, hard-boiled eggs, pretzels, hot cross buns and roast lamb dinner. (Fillipone, 2015)
Suggestions of activities for the festival
Since it is going to be a food festival, we are going to have food stands. But since food trucks have become very popular in the US, we think it is a good idea to have some of the dishes that best represent the United states offered to the quests in food trucks.
We also think it is a good idea to organize small eating competitions with typical American foods, because competitive eating has become such a big thing in the United States.
Live cooking demonstrations or cooking workshops could also be a great activity for the food festival.
We are thinking about also getting some live music, so the guests can listen to typical American music whilst enjoying their dishes.
Report on Europe
England
How do people behave towards food?
The British people usually be careful about table manners. There is also an expectation from young children that to eat a meal fork and knife in a proper way. They pay attention to be polite, respect. British people can eat chicken and pizza without using a fork and knife in informal situations. If there is a formal dinner or formal party they always use knife and fork. (ResourcesWoodlands, 2014)
What are the most popular dishes in this country?
In British kitchen, there are plenty of tasty food type can be found. People can find different tastes and ingredients. Instead of variety of kitchen tastes, it can be found that traditional British kitchen. Most of main meal dishes are roast beef and Yorkshire pudding combine which is a typical British custom Sunday lunch. English breakfast is the most popular dish all over the world which has ingredients such as eggs, bacon, sausages, fried bread, mushrooms, baked beans) . Lastly, fish and chips is very common in England and it is their take away food. Cottage pie or Shepherd’s Pie is a typical identified dish in England and it is minced meat cooked with vegetables and topped with mashed potatoes. (Kic.org.uk) (ResourcesWoodlands)
What religions can be found in this country, and does this influence their dishes?
In England the majority of the people are believe in Christianity. 59% of people identified as a Christian. After Christians, main followers are Muslim and they are the second enormous group with the population 4.8% that means 2.7 million people. A huge number of people doesn’t have a religion now. (14.1 million.) Also other religions can be found in England such as Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism etc. Most of the religion doesn’t affect the dishes instead of Muslim people. They believe that pork meat is not allowed to eat for them according to their holy book. (ons.gov.uk, 2013)
France
How do people behave towards food?
French people have some rules and etiquettes when they are having dinner or lunch. They usually leave their glass full of wine if they do not want to more drink. They do no start  to eat until host or hostess says ”bon appetit”. (kwintessential, 2014)
What are the most popular dishes in this country?
In France, there are varieties of food, dishes, flavors can be found. Some dishes are approved as a universal dish in the world. In 2010, UNESCO put French cuisine on the ”intangible cultural heritage” list.  When we look at the national French cuisine, a meal usually served in three courses like entree(intro course, soup), ”plat principal”(main course), fromage (cheese course) or sometimes desert. French dishes have bouef bourguingnon which is a stew made by beef braised in red wine and coq au vin, a dish which includes chicken, Burgundy wine, lardons(small strips or cubes of pork fat),button mushrooms, onion and garlic. Also there are some common deserts in French cuisine such as pain perdu, souffle, Tarte tatin and mousse au chocolat. (Livescience, 2015) (frenchlovetoknow) (Wikipedia, 2015)
What religions can be found in this country, and does this influence their dishes?
In France 88% percent of people are Roman Catholic, 2% Protestant, 1% Jewish, 5-10% Muslim. Roman Catholicism is staying as a dominant religion in France in a huge margin. Like in England, the main follower is Islam after Roman Catholicism. (nationmaster, 2014)
The Netherlands
How do people behave towards food?
In Netherlands,  behavior towards food is fairly formal. Table manners is a universal one; the fork is being held on left hand and on right knife. They do not start to eat like in France until host or hostess starts. They usually eat food with utensils, also sandwiches as well. (kwintessential , 2014)
What are the most popular dishes in this country?
Netherlands does not have a decent culinary due to Protestant ethnic and there is no  existence of powerful kitchen custom because of an implement on Calvinist soberness. Dutch people do not see the food for luxury, they just see it only as a need for life.  Traditional Dutch food includes krokets, stroopwafels which is very common pastry in Netherlands,  french fries, poffertjes(small pancakes), bitterballen combination with beer, rookworst a smoked sausage. Also there are other foods, pea soup, kale stew, white asparagus. (Everyculture, 2014) (Amsterdamtourist, 2015)
What religions can be found in this country, and does this influence their dishes?
In Netherlands, %47 of the population is unaffiliated with religion. 26% percent of population identified theirselves in Roman Catholic, 16% protestant and %5 Islam.
There is no influence about dishes in Netherlands. (Wikipedia, 2015)
Italy
How do people behave towards food?
Italian people do not change or switch knife and fork. They like spending time with friends and family together in parties, dinner or a ball. They do not use spoon as an aid to eat spaghetti. There is also a similarity in Italian food etiquette such as France and Netherlands, they always wait the host or hostess to say ” buen appetito”. (Etiquettescholar, 2015)
What are the most popular dishes in this country?
There is an influence in Italian kitchen all around the world. Wine, cheese, pasta are significant portion of Italian dishes. Pasta comes in a wide distance of shapes, lengths such as penne, spaghetti, linguine, fusili and lasagna which is a well known dish all around the world.  North of Italy dishes are served, fish, potatoes, rice, sausages, pork and different varities of cheeses are the most mutual ingredients. Pasta meals with tomatoes are renowned. In the south part, the dominant dish, tomatoes, peppers, olives and olive oil, garlic, artichokes, eggplant and ricotta cheese. (Livescience, 2015)
What religions can be found in this country, and does this influence their dishes?
In Italy, dominant religion is with 85% of native-born population is Roman Catholicism. They respect other people beliefs and The Constitution  creates a freedom of religion. (Seeitalia, 2013)
Germany
How do people behave towards food?
Their tables manners are the same with other Europe countries such as France, England, Netherlands and Italy. They like spend time together with friends and they sit in mixed gender. There is no prohibition for sitting in mixed gender. (German-way, 2015)
What are the most popular dishes in this country?
German food culture has more type of dishes which is different that everybody’s  thought. Now Germans have the most international range of dish in Europe. Typical German breakfast  includes cereals, cheese, cold cuts. There are other type of food for Germany are Aachner Printen( a type of Lebkuchen), bratwurst a sausage that is combination of pork and beef, sauerkraut(shredded cabbage) and Sauerbraten. (Wikipedia, 2015) (Research-in-germany, 2014)
What religions can be found in this country, and does this influence their dishes?
In Germany, most of the population identified themselves as Christian approximately around 65%-70%. When we look at minority of religion groups 4% of believe in Islam, Judaism and less than 1% Buddhism. (Internations, 2015)
Suggestion For the Festival
We are going to organize a cricket event for British people because it’s a common sport in England. Also in Europe tent, we are going to organize a stand-up comedy hosted by Najib Amali. We have also give a chance to people to watch two great different performances such as Buy Birdy and DJ Afrojack.  We will also put some bike rental places to create a sphere of Netherlands culture.
Report on Asia
China
How do people behave towards food?
In China most of the family life takes place while sitting at the dining table and eat. For them it is important to sit all together and socialize at mealtimes although Chinese people prefer not talking too much to enjoy the food. To show respect to the elder Chinese people present their finest food at first to the oldest family members. Another important rule at the table is to never start eating before the host invites you to. (Chinese Food Culture, 2015)
Knives and forks are traditionally seen as weapons therefore not considered to be used at the dining table. Chinese people prefer using wooden chopsticks and spoons for soup. Another difference is the way of serving the food. In China everyone on the table has his own bowl of rice but the side food is served on shared plates. (Cuisine, 2011)
What are the most popular dishes in this country?
China is not only the world’s largest rice producer, the Chinese people also have it for every meal. The Chinese breakfast consists of a mixture of salty and sweet dishes such as preserved eggs or boiled eggs soaked in tea, rice porridge, pickled vegetables or soy milk. In general, rice and noodles are considered to be the main dish and are accompanied by meat, fish or vegetables. Chinese people eat soup at the end of their meal rather than in the beginning like in western countries. (Wu, 2015)
What religions can be found in this country, and does this influence their dishes?
Out of the four countries that are going to represent Asia at our festival, China has the biggest population with more than 1 billion inhabitants and more than 56 ethnic groups. 5 main religion rule in the country such as Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism. Other religions are considered illegal. The largest festival in is the Spring Festival which celebrates the Lunar New Year. (Zimmermann, Chinese Culture: Customs & Traditions of China, 2015)
Korea
How do people behave towards food?
Table manners are very important in Korea and the list of rules is long. Some of these rules contain not holding the bowl in your hands, not to make noises with chopsticks/spoon hitting the bowl, not picking out disliked food, eat the rice and sides from one side and many more. Furthermore, only male hosts serve drinks and no one is allowed to wear shoes in the dining room. (Korean Table Manners, 2015)
What are the most popular dishes in this country?
In Korea is rice the most common food like in China along with fish and meat combined in a soup. Vegetables and greens are often used as well and are prepared to a stir-fried meal. Koreans use a lot of spices and sauces such as soy sauce or spicy pastes.
Koreans see their food as the best medicine which means your health depends on how much and what you eat. (Imagine your Korea, 2015)
What religions can be found in this country, and does this influence their dishes?
Korea has one main religion, the Buddhism. The most important part in Korean culture is the family and traditionally spoken, the father is the leader of the household. (Goel, 2015) The most traditional festival is also the Lunar New Year such as in China. (Festivals, Celebrations and Holidays, 2015)
Thailand
How do people behave towards food?
Like in western countries Thai people eat mostly three times a day. The most common breakfast is fried rice with soup and some combine it with eggs, bread, chicken and cheese.
At lunch time the general chosen food is sandwiches, soup with bread and meat. In Thailand dinner is the most important meal and is held with all family members. Thai people like to share their food with relatives and friends. While eating it is not common to talk and they only use forks and spoons. (Thailand Eating Habits, 2015)
Songkran festival is the traditional Thai New Year and is not like in other parts in the world on December/January. The Thai New Year is in April and they celebrate it for 3 days. (Thailand Daily Life, 2015)
What are the most popular dishes in this country?
In Thailand, rice is the most common and important food and is eaten by everyone every day.  It is known for its spicy cooking and mixing together flavors such as salty, sweet, sour, bitter and hot. (Thailand, 2011)
What religions can be found in this country, and does this influence their dishes?
Thai people have a really strong belief in Buddhism which is the traditional religion and is believed by 95% of the population. In Thailand the family is most important part in society and they respect hierarchy. (Thailand: Thai Language, Cultures, Customs and Etiquette, n.d.)
Indonesia
How do people behave towards food?
Traditionally Indonesia people eat with their hands but some use forks and spoons. Like in Korea diners only start to eat after the host invites to do so. In Indonesia it is considered to be inappropriate to stand or walk while eating in public. (Customs of Indonesia, 2015)
What are the most popular dishes in this country?
Indonesia has a variety of food and intense flavors due to the many islands it contains of. The food is always served with rice and is made with meat fish or/and vegetables. “Nasi Goreng” counts as one of the most popular dishes in Indonesia. It is a stir-fried meal wish is also known all over the world.
Rice is the most common food and used for every meal. Indonesian people serve meals with vegetables, fish and hot sauces. Due to many Muslims in Indonesia they do not eat pork but chicken and beef. The type of food chosen for breakfast, lunch and dinner vary depending on the area in Indonesia. (Indonesia, 2009)
What religions can be found in this country, and does this influence their dishes?
Most of the population in Indonesia is Muslim and contains of the highest number of Muslims in the world. In some cases, marriages in Indonesia are arranged especially in wealthy families with a high social status. The most important festival in Indonesia is the Independence Day on August 17th with remarkable parades. (Indonesia, 2009)
Suggestions for the Festival
Due to the high consume of rice we will offer a big variety of rice dishes and different levels on spice and hotness because not every culture can eat very hot dishes. Furthermore, we will not only offer knives and forks but chopsticks to try eating in the traditional Asian way. Another idea is that people who enter the Asian tent can remove their shoes like in some cultures in Asia to experience the real feeling while dining. We will offer traditional activities like learning calligraphic writing and a colorful fashion show to get the perfect fashion sense of Asia. At the end Psy, who is traditionally from South Korea, will perform on the Asian stage while everybody can dance the famous “Gangnam Style” with him.
Report on the Middle East
United Arab Emirates
How do people behave towards food?
Originally it is common for people from the United Arab Emirates to eat with their hands. The food will be placed on a communal plate in the middle of the table, where the people can scoop their food from with a piece of bread. In the Arab world the left hand is considered unclean, therefore people will mostly eat with their right hand. It is also very important to show gratitude towards the host for preparing the food and for their hospitality. The guest/eater is expected to try all foods, which are placed on the table, in order to respect the host. Food plays a very import role in social activities in the Middle East, what makes people eat together very often. (Wikipedia)
What are the most popular dishes in this country?
The kitchen of the United Arab Emirates belongs to the Middle Eastern kitchen in which dried fruits, legumes and many spices have an important role. Spices such as saffron, coriander, cardamom, cloves and ginger give their food a typical Arabic taste, aroma and color. Because of the tourism and foreign influences, the United Arab Emirates offers a wide range of international cuisines. Although, the traditional cuisine has many similarities with other countries in the Middle East, therefor the United Arab Emirates’ cuisine can be seen as a mixture of Middle Eastern cuisines. Popular dishes that you will find in the Unites Arab Emirates are: Taboulleh (a cereal product with parsley, tomato, mind and onion) Ful medames (ground chickpeas, olives, garlic and beans), Fattoush (salad of vegetables and roasted pita bread) and of course snacks such as Shawarma (a pita bread filled with chicken or lamb). For dessert it is very common to eat different kind of sweets made with honey, almonds and pistachio.
(royaldubai)
What religions can be found in this country, and does this influence their dishes?
In the United Arab Emirates, the majority of the populations follows the Islamic religion. The Islam is also the official state religion of the United Arab Emirates, which means that the Islam is officially endorsed by the state. (Wikipedia). Due to the large Muslim population alcoholic drinks and pork meat will not be tolerated, because in the Islamic religions these products are forbidden. (Wikipedia).
Lebanon
How do people behave towards food?
Just like most Middle Eastern countries, it is very important to Lebanese people to maintain their dignity, respect, honor and reputation, which are reflected in their eating habits. Trying foods from all plates on the table, show gratitude towards the host, filling your plate several times and leaving a little food on your plate are common dining etiquettes that apply for most middle eastern countries. (kwintessential)
What are the most popular dishes in this country?
The Lebanese kitchen is mostly based on fruits, vegetables, starches and seafood. Meat on the other hand is consumed in moderation, so instead people prefer to eat poultry, or in some occasion’s lamb. Garlic and olive oil are important ingredients within the Lebanese cuisine and are used in almost every dish. Sauces do not play a major role in their cuisine, because most Lebanese people believe that spices, herbs and fresh ingredients are the main key in creating unique dishes. (Recipes Wiki)
What religions can be found in this country, and does this influence their dishes?
Lebanon counts 18 religious sects of Christianity, Islam and Judaism and has a large variety of different ethnicities. Therefor, Lebanon offers a wide range of different cuisines, what differentiates Lebanon from most Middle Eastern countries. For these reasons, products as alcoholic drinks and pork are not forbidden in Lebanon.
Turkey
How do people behave towards food?
Besides the above-mentioned Middle Eastern etiquettes, Turkey has a few more dining rules. If someone gets invited to eat at a restaurant it is the hosts duty to pay the bill, sometimes the restaurant’s manager gets informed that the guest is in no way allowed to pay for the bill. Aberrant from most Islamic religions it is very common that alcohol gets drunk during evening meals as well the use of cigarettes or shisha’s. (Kwintessentials)
What are the most popular dishes in this country?
Comparable to other Middle Eastern countries, The Turkish cuisine mainly exists out of many spices, cereals (bulgur), koftes (meatballs), rice, vegetable stews, stuffed vegetables, kebabs and seafood. However, what makes the Turkish quinine stand out from other Middle Eastern countries is the use of yogurt in most of their dishes. Beside yogurt, Turkey is also known for it’s sweet pastries, which are often eaten for desert combined with a cup of Turkish coffee. (Wikipedia)
What religions can be found in this country, and does this influence their dishes?
Even though Turkey does not have an official state religion, the majority of the population (96.4%) is registered as Muslim. Due to the large numbers of tourism in Turkey alcoholic drinks and pork are not prohibited in contrast with most Middle Eastern countries. (Wikipedia) .
Iran
How do people behave towards food?
Since the Islam and its rules play an important role in Iranian people’s lives there are multiple rules that must be respected towards dining. In most Iranian households it is not allowed to mix sex groups during dinner, therefore women are supposed to dine in another room. Even in restaurants there are separate dining areas for men and families. (Kwintessential)
What are the most popular dishes in this country?
In the Iranian kitchen fresh green herbs are frequently used with fruits such as plums, pomegranates, quince, prunes apricots and raisins. As many other Middle Eastern countries Iran’s main dish exists out of a combination of rice, meat/fish, and vegetables. To give the dish an explicit Iranian flavor it is common to use saffron, dried lime, cinnamon and parsley. (Wikipedia)
What religions can be found in this country, and does this influence their dishes?
Iran has appointed the Islam as the official state religion, in which 90 to 95% of the population is Muslim. (Wikipedia). In Iran the Islamic religion is very important, and so the rules of the Koran are followed strictly. Therefor, alcoholic drinks and pork are prohibited in the Iranian kitchen.
Suggestions of activities for the festival
To bring back the traditional Middle-Eastern atmosphere into the festival we want to plan several traditional activities in the festival program. Belly dancing has a long history in the Middle Eastern culture, and therefor is one of the most famous dance styles in the Middle East. (Wikipedia, 2015) For this reason, we would like to hire a famous traditional belly dancer, who will perform in the Middle Eastern tent. Another sight, which is very famous in the Middle East, is the use of camels for transportation; therefor we want to provide camel rides for the visitors. (Wikipedia)