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ISSS shares Peruvian culture through Windows to the World program
people dancing

Alundero, a local dance and music troupe, shared Afro-Peruvian dancing at Windows to the World: Peru. Attendees were invited to join in, learning and practicing dance steps alongside the performers.

— Photo by Amber Cordell.

This spring, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) partnered with Centro Latinx and La Alianza Latinx to host Windows to the World: Peru, an immersive cultural event that brought the sights, sounds and flavors of Peru to the Emory community. Emory students, faculty, staff and local community members gathered to celebrate and learn about Peruvian culture through a lively blend of performances, dance workshops, arts and crafts, trivia and a student-led presentation. Guests also enjoyed authentic Peruvian cuisine provided by local favorite Las Brasas.

The Centro Latinx space was transformed into a vibrant Peruvian festival, filled with colorful decorations and a spirit of cultural pride. Latin American students expressed excitement and joy at seeing their heritage highlighted and embraced. The event featured an educational presentation on Peru’s rich history, geography and cultural traditions, followed by an engaging trivia game that deepened participants’ understanding.

One of the highlights of the event was a high-energy Afro-Peruvian dance and drum performance by Alundero, a local troupe dressed in vivid traditional attire. Attendees were invited to join in, learning and practicing dance steps alongside the performers, turning spectators into participants.

Adriana Gutierrez Yllu, a Peruvian first-year MPH student at Rollins School of Public Health, helped bring the event to life. “As a proud Latina and Peruvian, I was thrilled to collaborate with ISSS and Centro Latinx to organize this event,” Gutierrez Yllu said. “As the president of La Alianza Latinx, I wanted to bring a little ritmo, color y sabor (rhythm, color and flavor) — as Peruvian singer Eva Ayllón says — to Emory, my new home. I hope it sparked curiosity about Peruvian culture and created moments of joy and a true sense of community for everyone who attended.”

Windows to the World is a signature event series hosted by ISSS each semester to highlight the cultural richness of the Emory community. Each edition showcases a different country, culture or global tradition, fostering intercultural understanding and appreciation. Past themes have included the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Brazil, Ireland, Japan, Slavic countries, Tibetan culture, Lunar New Year and Diwali.

“Our Windows to the World program brings cultural celebrations to campus, allowing the Emory community to learn about other cultures in authentic ways that transcend textbook knowledge and what we hear in the media,” said Shinn Ko, assistant vice provost.

To learn about upcoming ISSS programs, visit the calendar of events.


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