Cooltural
Volume 4: March 24 & 25, 2026
Join us for Cooltural, our event series featuring the intersection of culture, language, food and arts. We're looking forward to welcoming you!
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Drop-In Viewing at The Image Centre: The Braun-Epstein Collection
10:30AM-12:00PM
Peter Higdon Research Centre, IMC 2nd Floor, enter via 122 Bond St.
Drop in for a special viewing of The Braun-Epstein Collection (external link) , featuring a curated selection of photographs from around the world. This remarkable collection, assembled by an artist as a source of creative inspiration, offers a unique glimpse into diverse visual traditions. As you explore these images, discover the richness of global cultures and the power of storytelling through photography at The Image Centre.
Cooltural Food Tasting: Preserving Culture through Fermentation – An Exploration of Philippine Vinegars
12:00PM-1:00PM
POD-249, Podium Building, 350 Victoria St.
Join us for a sampling of vinegars from the Philippines, accompanied by some classic Philippine foods that are taken to the next level with vinegar! The island archipelago of the Philippines has traditionally preserved foods through a combination of drying, salting, and fermenting. This food tasting event will focus on the important role of suka (vinegar) in Philippine cuisine and allow participants to try vinegars that have been important in the history of culinary and cultural sense making in the island archipelago, with a special focus on the vinegars and foods of the northern Philippines. Hosted by Dr. Dana Osborne and students from the Language and Intercultural Relations (LIR) program.
Multilingual Letter Writing Workshop
2:15PM-3:30PM
POD-249, Podium Building, 350 Victoria St.
Unleash your creativity at this multilingual letter writing workshop where instructions/ideas will be provided in Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic and Mohawk! Open to all language levels, this session will be hosted by Dr. Enriqueta Zafra and Dr. Kinga Zawada and other multilingual instructors. Supplies will be provided. Please arrive by 2:00PM - arrive earlier for tea and to select your stationary!
Also on display are wampum belts from the TMU Archives. Learn about their historical and cultural significance from Indigenous scholar and LLC professor Dr. Brandon Martin.
Bad Bunny beyond the Super Bowl
4:00PM-5:00PM
POD-249, Podium Building, 350 Victoria St.
Interactive talk by Dr. Witton Becerra Mayorga, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia and Visiting Professor, University of Toronto, on “Bad Bunny beyond the Super Bowl.” Introduced and moderated by Dr. Dorismel Diaz.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Cooltural Coffee Time, Language Practice and Talent Showcase
11:00PM-12:00PM
POD-249, Podium Building, 350 Victoria St.
Join us for coffee/tea and sweets from around the world. Share your talent in any language, read a poem, sing a song, play an instrument or bring something you made or collect to talk about it.
Handmade treats to sample courtesty of instructors from LLC include Chinese snacks, Persian sweets, Spanish turron, and date tarts.
The Making of The Loudest Music of the Americas
1:15 PM-2:15 PM
POD-249, Podium Building, 350 Victoria St.
Join us for an interactive talk by Dr. Sean Bellaviti on Murga, Panama’s most celebrated carnival music. Discover the history, energy, and cultural power behind this vibrant tradition and why it’s known as the loudest music of the Americas.
Short Documentaries
2:30PM-4:00PM
Location TBA
Short Documentary, Panama Field Study 2023
Directed by Maria Beltran and Sophia Tran (3:14 minutes)
Witness a journey of discovery, cultural exchange, and global engagement that challenges perspectives. Through the Global Justice and Change Program, this immersive field study documentary brings learning beyond the lecture hall and into lived experience.
The Espanglish Generation (external link)
Directed by Oscar Vigil (40 minutes)
Join us for an exciting journey into the world of second-generation Spanish speakers! The Espanglish Generation is a compelling documentary that captures the essence of what it means to be a Canadian/Latin American born after 1990. This generation, referred to as “Espanglish,” navigates the rich, complex tapestry of dual heritage, interweaving the vibrant cultures of their Latin roots with their Canadian upbringing.
Director Oscar Vigil, Executive Director Hispanic Heritage Council and some of the cast will be present for a Q&A.
Music in the City
5:00PM-6:30PM
SLC 1st Floor Amphitheater, 341 Yonge St.
Celebrate spring with dancing and a live band performance! This session kicks off with a salsa dance lesson, followed by live Cuban music featuring singer Adis Rodriguez and TMU faculty, Dr. Sean Bellaviti (Philosophy and Music) and Dr. Julián Zapata (Languages, Literatures and Cultures) on piano.
This session will be hosted by LIR students. Co-sponsored by the Department of Philosophy and Music, and the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures.
Bonus Events
Spanish Conversation Table
Tuesday, March 31, 3:00PM to 4:00PM in room POD-247
An opportunity to meet other Spanish speakers/learners, learn about culture and practice the language in a nonjudgmental, informal and friendly environment with snacks! This session is hosted by Dr. Dr. Julián Zapata
Event Partners
Thank you to our event collaborators and sponsors!
- Professors and staff from the department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
- Students from Language and Intercultural Relations
- Sean Bellaviti and the Department of Philosophy and Music
- The Image Centre (external link)
- Faculty of Arts, Office of the Dean
Accessibility Accommodations & Wayfinding
If accessibility accommodations are required to ensure full participation, please contact the department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures with as much notice as possible.
See TMU's Campus Map for information regarding entrances, elevators, and ramps. For wayfinding support, please contact the department by March 21, 2026.
Contact: Email Winnie or contact us via @llc_torontomet (external link) .
Notice of Filming and Photography
This event series will be hosted in-person and photos and videos of attendees may be taken, shared and used by Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
The Wedding Collection: Drop-In Viewing at The Image Centre
10:30AM-12:00 PM
Peter Higdon Research Centre, IMC 2nd Floor, enter via 122 Bond Street
Drop-in for a special viewing of The Wedding Collection (external link) , featuring a curated selection of wedding photographs from across the globe. Discover the rich diversity of traditions and the power of storytelling through imagery as you view this fascinating collection at The Image Centre.
French Conversation Table
1:00PM-2:00PM
POD-247-J, Podium Building, 350 Victoria St.
Practice conversation in French in an informal environment. This session is hosted by Dr. Ndeye Ba and all language levels are welcome. Ne manquez pas cette chance de mettre en pratique vos compétences en français!
Multilingual Crochet Workshop
2:15PM-3:30PM
POD-249, Podium Building, 350 Victoria St.
Create a crochet bookmark at this multilingual workshop where instructions will be provided in Spanish, French, and English! Open to all crochet skill levels and language levels, this session will be hosted by Dr. Mignette Garvida. Supplies will be provided. Please arrive by 2:30PM - arrive earlier for tea and to select your yarn colour!
LIR208 Showcase Gallery
2:00PM-3:30PM
POD-249, Podium Building, 350 Victoria St.
Visit this pop-up multimedia gallery showcasing creations by students in LIR 208 - Skateboarding as a Cultural Bridge. This new course taught by John Barnes explores how skateboarding acts as a cultural bridge between different language communities and a medium of expression for traditionally marginalized social groups.
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Cooltural Food Tasting
12:00PM-2:00PM
CPA Lounge TRS 1-003, TRS 7th Floor, 55 Dundas St. West
Join us for gastronomy presentations and food tastings curated by Dr. Frederic Dimanche, Dr. Kinga Zawada, and Chef Tommy McHugh! All are invited to this collaboration between Languages, Literatures and Cultures and Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Nowruz Celebration and Pop-Up World Tea Cafe
2:00PM-3:00PM
POD-249, Podium Building, 350 Victoria St.
Happy Nowruz! Drop in for Iranian sweets and to learn about Nowruz celebration traditions with Dr. Elham Mirzania. Enjoy the sweets and sample teas from around world at our casual pop-up cafe.
Music in the City
5:00PM-6:30PM
SLC 1st Floor Amphitheater, 341 Yonge St.
Celebrate the first day of spring with dancing and a live band performance! This session kicks off with a salsa dance lesson by Sarita Leyva. The musical performance features Lady Son with Dr. Sean Bellaviti from Philosophy and Music and Dr. Julián Zapata from Languages, Literatures and Cultures. This session will be co-hosted by LIR students Fatima Salah and Ingrid Neagu.
Event Partners
Thank you to our event collaborators and sponsors!
- Professors and staff from the department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures.
- Students from the Language and Intercultural Relations (Hons. BA) program.
- Salsa dance instructor Sarita Leyva (external link) .
- Lady Son (external link) .
- Sean Bellaviti and the Department of Philosophy and Music.
- Dr. Frédéric Dimanche and the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
- Chef Tommy McHugh and the Culinary & Catering Department at the Ted Rogers School.
- Dr. Denise Birkhofer and The Image Centre (external link) .
- Faculty of Arts, Office of the Dean including Dean Amy Peng, Dr. Melanie Knight, Dr. Anne-Marie Lee-Loy, Elani Phillips and Arianna Guaragna.
Cooltural, our event series featuring the intersection of culture, language, food and arts, ran on Tuesday, March 19 and Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Through a range of immersive experiences, Cooltural brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage in meaningful dialogue, cultural exchange, and celebration. We're looking forward to welcoming everyone again in 2025!
Cooltural 2024 Video Recap
Event Partners
Thank you to our event collaborators, sponsors, special guests, and hosts!
- Instructors and staff from the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures.
- Faculty of Arts, Office of the Dean (opens in new window) including Dr. Amy Peng, Interim Dean; Dr. Melanie Knight, Interim Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies; Dr. Anne-Marie Lee-Loy, Associate-Dean, Undergraduate Studies; and the Communications Team.
- Dr. Sean Bellaviti and the Department of Philosophy and Music.
- Language and Intercultural Relations Course Union (LIRCU (external link, opens in new window) ).
- French for All Club (external link, opens in new window) .
- Chef Jesus Morales and the restaurant team from La Bella Managua (external link, opens in new window) .
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen
12:15PM
POD 249
Ohén:ton Karihwatéhkwen (Thanksgiving Address) by Dr. Brandon Martin will open Cooltural 2024.
Intercultural Food Tasting
12:15PM-1:30PM
POD 249
Gastronomy presentations and food tastings hosted by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures.
- Introduction to Spanish Tapas by Dr. Mignette Garvida and Dr. Enriqueta Zafra with guest student from SPN 607.
- Preparation of Arabic Coffee by Dr. Rania Ibrahim.
- Celebration of Nowruz with Iranian Sweets by Dr. Nazanin Shahdi.
Language Tables Celebration
1:30PM-2:30PM
POD 250
A celebration of TMU's Language Tables! Join to practice conversation in Arabic, French, Mandarin Chinese and/or Spanish. This is a nonjudgemental environment to practice speaking and listening while learning about culture. All language levels welcome.
- Arabic Chat Cafe hosted by Dana Almasri.
- Chinese (Mandarin) Table hosted by Dr. John Edward Stowe and Dr. Elham Mirzania with CHN 201 students.
- French Conversation Table hosted by Dr. Ndeye Ba.
- Spanish Conversation Table hosted by Dr. Dorismel Diaz.
French for All: Conversation, Culture, and Chic Merchandise
12:15PM-1:30PM with the Intercultural Food Tasting
1:30PM-2:30PM with the Language Tables Celebration
Embrace the French spirit! Discover and purchase unique French-inspired merchandise and engage with fellow French enthusiasts.
Short Films with Director Q&A
2:30PM-3:30PM
POD 469
Join us for a multilingual screening of two short films.
- Abuela by Rebeca Ortiz (external link) with a director Q&A.
- Errance by Karla Meza provided by LATAFF (external link) . A Q&A will follow with guest Dr. Tanya Aberman, Coordinator, Sanctuary Scholars.
Drumming Circle
3:45PM-4:45PM
POD 250
Join in or observe a drum circle as part of our ANT 200 class (Anthropological Perspectives). The circle will be led by Alpha Rhythm Roots (external link) .
This session is made possible by a Guest Speaker Grant from the Faculty of Arts.
Music in the City
5:00PM-6:30PM
SLC 1st Floor Amphitheater
A salsa dance lesson by Sarita Leyva (external link, opens in new window) kicks off this session. It'll be followed with a live band performance by Lady Son with Dr. Sean Bellaviti from the Department of Philosophy and Music and guest pianist Dr. Julián Zapata from the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Multicultural Expressions: A Talent Show with Lunch Provided by La Bella Managua
11:00AM-12:30PM
SLC 3rd Floor Sandbox
Participants will weave together threads of different cultures, languages, and literary traditions in their performances. Join us for poetry, song, and painting, followed by a lunch kindly provided by La Bella Managua.
Hosted by Ingrid and Kurt from the Language and Intercultural Relations Course Union, the talent show will feature a live painting from LIR student Tatsbita S. and performances by Faculty of Arts professors Dr. Jamin Pelkey, Dr. Julián Zapata, and Dr. Gerd Hauck.
Cooltural 2023 Video Recap
