PITT'S NATIONALITY ROOMS ADORNED FOR HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AND TOURS

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 22 -- The University of Pittsburgh Nationality Rooms Holiday Open House will feature entertainers in native costume, ethnic food, craft demonstrations, and tours of the 25 Nationality Rooms, on Sunday

Dec. 5, from noon until 4 p.m., in the Cathedral of Learning Commons Room, Oakland. Admission is free.

This multicultural view of the holidays gives guests the opportunity to see a variety of ethnic holiday traditions, such as the Chinese Lion Dance, a Japanese tea ceremony, and entertainment representing Latin America, Poland, Greece, and many other countries and heritages. 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 representing Eastern and Western Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

For more than 40 years, the Nationality Rooms have been decorated by area residents who form the Nationality Room Committees. Student volunteer guides in national dress will welcome guests, conduct tours, and describe the many holiday traditions represented by the 25 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, 1999 and Jan. 1, 2000.

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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