Languages & Cultures

Cultures & Languages | Raclin Murphy Museum of Art
David Alfaro Siqueiros (Mexican, 1896–1974), A Mayan Prince, 1949, Oil and Duco on Masonite. Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, University of Notre Dame. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Mayer, 1958.039In celebration of Language & Culture Week 2026, join student gallery teacher Antonio Dominguez De Obaldia ’28 for a guided discussion, in Spanish, of A Mayan Prince (1949) by David Alfaro Siqueiros. Originally published at raclinmurphymuseum.nd.edu.

Cultures & Languages | Decio Commons
Create your own lucky animal charms inspired by the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. Discover the charm of the Chinese zodiac through hands-on crafting! In this workshop, participants will create their own mini charms using air-dry clay, shaping their favorite zodiac animal and adding personal details. Learn a bit about the zodiac’s cultural significance while designing keepsakes you can take home.

Cultures & Languages | Decio Commons
We’re bringing the heart of Brazil’s fun and colorful festival to you! Come create custom accessories and get your caipira look ready for Festa Junina. No experience needed, just bring your creativity and your love for Brazilian culture.

Cultures & Languages | Decio Commons
In the traditional Bavarian Carnival (Fasnacht), performers known as Schellenrührer wear heavy leather belts with large bells. Through rhythmic jumping, they create a thunderous noise designed to scare away the dark spirits of winter and wake up the spirits of spring. Participants will craft their own miniature bell charm. This activity brings a centuries-old custom to life, teaching the symbolic use of noise as a ritual of protection and renewal while creating a traditional Bavarian souvenir. 

Cultures & Languages | Decio Commons
Discover French culture and taste delicious Madeleines.

Cultures & Languages | Decio Commons
Join the Italian Club and decorate your own Carnival mask. Everyone welcome!

Cultures & Languages | Decio Commons
Scan the sounds, build the blocks, and hear your name come to life! Join our open workshop to create a custom Korean bookmark. Learn the logic of Hangeul through a fun crafting experience. Drop in anytime during the Culture Fair!

Cultures & Languages | Decio Commons
Visit the Spanish club during the Culture Fair of our annual Language & Culture Week and learn how to make Papel Picado, a traditional Mexican paper craft. Sponsored by the Spanish Club and the Spanish Program at Notre Dame.

Cultures & Languages | Decio Commons
Join the Irish FLTA, Danielle Ní Néill to make your own St Brigid’s Cross and try your hand at Celtic knot designs. St Brigid’s Day, celebrated each February, is a cherished tradition in Ireland, where communities weave crosses as a symbol of protection and blessing. Celtic knots, known for their intricate patterns, reflect centuries of Irish artistry. Come along during LCW’s Culture Fair in Decio Commons to learn the stories behind these crafts while creating your own.

Cultures & Languages | Decio Commons
Visitors will be invited to learn about Kendama (a Japanese skill toy), origami, and nurie (Japanese picture coloring) with the Notre Dame Japan Club during the Culture Fair!

Cultures & Languages | Decio Commons
Dive into the colorful worlds of kikoi and leso, which carry rich stories of culture, identity, and celebration. Join us for a hands-on workshop, where you will learn how to traditionally wrap leso and kikoi and resemble a Swahili man or woman. This event promises to inspire you and connect you to the rich Swahili heritage along the East African Coast.

Cultures & Languages | Decio 151
Traditional Chinese painting stands as one of the oldest continuous artistic traditions globally. This art form employs techniques akin to calligraphy, utilizing a brush dipped in either black ink or colored pigments. Much like calligraphy, the preferred mediums for these paintings are typically paper and silk. Discover the allure of this timeless art during Language & Culture Week by joining us in a hands-on exploration. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of traditional Chinese painting, where the brush becomes a conduit for artistic expression. Join Professor Jincheng Liu for a workshop on traditional Chinese painting during LCW’s Culture Fair.

Cultures & Languages | Decio 117
Join us for a hands-on workshop where you will create a traditional Ukrainian Motanka doll and learn the meaning behind its symbols. Each participant will craft a small Motanka to take home!

Cultures & Languages | Raclin Murphy Museum of Art
In celebration of Language & Culture Week 2026, join student gallery teacher Martha Engel ’28 for a guided discussion, in Spanish, of Joaquín Torres-García’s Universal Composition (1933). Originally published at raclinmurphymuseum.nd.edu.

Cultures & Languages | Raclin Murphy Museum of Art
Vincenzo Spisanelli (Italian, 1595–1662), Noli Me Tangere, 1640, Oil on canvas. Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, University of Notre Dame. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. David B. Findlay, 1958.008In celebration of Language & Culture Week 2026, join student gallery teacher Jack Wilde ’26 for a guided discussion, in Italian, of Vincenzo Spisanelli’s Noli Me Tangere (1640). Originally published at raclinmurphymuseum.nd.edu.

Cultures & Languages | Hesburgh Library 231A
Escape the noise and step back in time. Put on a VR headset to explore a Sarangbang —the private, minimalist study of a 17th-century Korean scholar. In this virtual retreat, you‛ll experience the 선비 Seonbi Spirit: a unique philosophy that balances high intellectual pursuit with beautiful simplicity.

Cultures & Languages | Bond Hall 335
Through this presentation, explore how the iconic matatu/ nganyas (Nairobi’s colorful public minibuses) serve as moving canvases for Kenyan and pop culture and self-expression. You’ll witness how visual art, the pulses of local sound-beats, and the linguistic energy of Sheng' fuse to create the unique experience of being inside a matatu. From the streets to the seats, you will experience the creative culture that defines this everyday Nairobi ride.

Cultures & Languages | Raclin Murphy Museum of Art
Charles Louis Lucien Muller (French, 1815–1892), The Roll Call of the Last Victims of the Reign of Terror, ca. 1860, Oil on canvas. Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, University of Notre Dame. Gift of Mrs. Thomas Cusack, 1960.042In celebration of Language & Culture Week 2026, join student gallery teacher Nayla Hernandez ’26 for a guided discussion, in French, of Chalres Louis Lucien Muller’s The Roll Call of the Last Victims of the Reign of Terror (ca. 1860).Originally published at raclinmurphymuseum.nd.edu.

Cultures & Languages | Decio Faculty Hall 3rd Floor
Extra virgin olive oil, one of the most sought after Made in Italy products, is celebrated worldwide for its rich flavor and numerous health benefits. Not all EVOO is created equal, however; flavor profiles vary by region and variety and quality varies significantly. Participate in a guided tasting of varied oils together with Professor Boyle and Professor Gurney. To participate, sign up on this form.

Cultures & Languages | Decio Commons
The Spanish Tertulia (gathering with students) gives you an opportunity to improve your Spanish conversation skills, learn about the Spanish Program at Notre Dame, and enjoy Spanish culture.  This week, visitors will learn about the research project of several graduate students in the department and are invited to participate in the Q&A session following their presentations.  All are welcome! For more information, please contact Prof. Francalanci (lfrancal@nd.edu) or Prof. Ruiz García (mruizga2@nd.edu). This event is part of the Language & Culture Week experience, and sponsored by the Spanish Program.