The OTOW Retirement Community in Ocala, Florida, recently hosted a vibrant multicultural event “Around the World” at the Recreation Center Ballroom, bringing together residents to celebrate global heritage through food, fashion, and music. Among the many highlights was the beautifully decorated table of the Global Diversity Asian Social Club, styled in traditional Balinese decor. The table featured ornate fabrics, tropical floral arrangements, and cultural artifacts that transported guests to the heart of Bali.
Adding to the authenticity, one attendee’s Leonard wore a traditional Balinese Udeng. The traditional headdress worn by Balinese men, known as udeng, has a profound philosophy and meaning that plays a significant role in everyday life. An iconic feature in the traditional attire of Balinese men, the udeng is a square cloth intricately tied around the head, symbolizing ngiket manah, the concentration of the mind.
Guests at the table also showcased other global fashions. A lady from the Caribbean wore a brightly colored traditional island dress, reflecting the lively spirit and rhythm of her homeland. Another guest displayed a stunning jeweled vest inspired by Slavic heritage, showcasing intricate embroidery and beadwork.
The jeweled vest exemplifies traditional stitching patterns characteristic of affluent, upper-class Slavic regions, signifying status at elite social gatherings in the 1800s. Women typically embroidered regional or village patterns in red thread on balloon sleeves worn during memorable entertainment featuring all-female circular group dances. Ethnographic museums in Eastern Europe predominantly showcase peasant attire today. The use of jewels on clothing served as a means of survival during the communist era.
The evening’s vibrant celebration seamlessly blended international flavors, fostering a deep sense of global connection among attendees. A live band infused the atmosphere with infectious energy, and the dance floor pulsed with excitement late into the night. This momentous event embodied the boundless potential of unity in diversity, illuminating a brighter, more harmonious future for all.
by Rosalina Norita
more info of On Top of the World Communities at https://ontopoftheworldinfo.com/
