By Chaniru Senhas and Nimuthu Pathiraja (Web Content Team)
At 12:00 noon on the 21st of November, the highly anticipated Annual Christmas Fiesta organised by the Culinary and Hospitality Club of Trinity College commenced. An excited community of Middle School and Upper School students were seen visiting the well-stocked stalls of varied Christmas goodies as well as local delicacies.
The occasion commenced with the opening ceremony, which was officiated by the Principal, Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB, the Vice Principal, Mr. Krishanthan Anthonydas and the Co-Vice Principal, Mr. Ananda Marasinghe in addition to the presidents and Teachers or Masters in Charge of the clubs and societies that contributed towards the event, demonstrating the teamwork that was required for such a celebration. All of them cut the beautifully embellished ribbon to officially declare open this colourful event.
This year’s celebration bore a higher objective, fuelled by the genuine essence of Christmas, which is “giving”. Most of the income raised by the event was donated for charitable purposes, an act that the organisers most commendably adopted and accepted with the spirit of sharing and making those who are less fortunate happy. This generous act on the part of the organizers contributed to the Fiesta in a touching way, encouraging all participants to reconsider the more altruistic and benevolent aspects of Christmas.
Many clubs and societies set up food stalls and various activity stations under the guidance of the Culinary and Hospitality club across the Main Hall and the car park. The Culinary and Hospitality Club devoted its energy to the preparation of scrumptious Christmas themed cuisine. The Sinhala Literary Union, Social Service Union, Physical Culture Club, and Students’ Christian Movement also joined in the festive buoyancy having food stalls. Stalls were decorated and filled with local treats such as “Pani Walalu” and “Kokis” in addition to Western Christmas themed food.
Some clubs took a further step, hosting various games and activities. For instance, the Economic and Social Service Union of the Sri Lanka Unites Chapter of Trinity College maintained the balance by erecting food stalls and providing interesting games, hence attracting people who not only wanted yummy bites but fun as well. Games were the main aspect of the activities of the Young Inventors’ and Researchers’ Club as they put their imagination into practice and designed interesting and entertaining games.
Taking a page from the creative games, the Library Council went ahead and held a raffle with the ultimate prize of a chocolate bunny. On the contrary, prowling at the Physical Culture Club’s booth were fitness fanatics seeking the thrill of competition in their plank and dead-lift challenges, which added more zest to the occasion.
There was music, laughter, and delicious food all around, and the place was beautifully decorated with posters, tents and smiles. Every member of the college: students and teachers alike, and even visitors participated at this event.
The 2024 Christmas Fiesta was not only a feast for the eyes and belly, but also an occasion to celebrate the true meaning of the season. All the proceeds are set to be donated and a number of clubs and societies worked during the event, so not only did people on the grounds have fun, but people further away, got a little bit of the season’s joy. Gratitude should be given to the executive committee of the Culinary and Hospitality club, their Teacher-in-Charge Mrs. Hettiarachchi, all the clubs and societies that took part, their Teachers and Masters in Charge and the Trinity College community for bringing up the Christmas spirit.
