PITT'S NATIONALITY ROOMS HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE OFFERS ETHNIC SONG, DANCE AND FOOD

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 20 -- Entertainers in native costume, ethnic food, craft demonstrations, and an ethnic marketplace all offer a multicultural view of the holidays at the University of Pittsburgh Nationality Rooms Holiday Open House on Sunday Dec. 6 from noon until 4 p.m. in the Cathedral of Learning Commons Room, Oakland. Admission is free.

Guests will have the opportunity to see a variety of ethnic holiday traditions, such as the Chinese Lion Dance, a Japanese tea ceremony, entertainment representing Poland, Greece, the Philippines and many other countries. The performances begin at noon and will run at 15-minute intervals throughout the afternoon.

Tables will be filled with ethnic foods and crafts for visitors to purchase and enjoy. In all, more than 15 ethnic groups will participate in the performances, displays and food tables.

To celebrate the occasion, Nationality Rooms on the first and third floors of the Cathedral will be decorated in traditional holiday decor. Student volunteer guides in national dress will welcome guests, conduct tours and describe the many holiday traditions represented by the 24 Nationality Rooms.

The Nationality Rooms will be decorated in their traditional holiday style beginning Nov. 22. Tours are available throughout the holiday season. The cost of the tours are adults $ 2.00; senior citizens $ 1.50; and children (8-18) $ .50. The rooms will be closed on Dec. 24, 25, 31, 1998 and Jan. 1, 1999.

For more information on the open house, or tours during the holiday season, call the Nationality Rooms Program at 412-624-6000.

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