LEWISTON — The Lewiston Youth Advisory Council’s desire to enhance cultural understanding resulted in a Dec. 7 community gathering to highlight 10 December holidays: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Saint Nicholas Day, Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Lucia Day, Las Posadas, Boxing Day, Omisoka and Bodhi Day.

Apparently word reached far and wide about the multi-cultural celebration, as the Philippines band Balonge arrived at the event and offered to do a surprise finale, sharing traditional Philippines holiday music. Balonge had performed at Schooner Estates earlier in the day.

LYAC had undertaken the “December Holidays Share, Show & Tell” event to provide information about multiple holidays, as well as provide an opportunity for audience members to share their personal favorite holiday memories.

Doris Bonneau, who attended, shared her Lewiston memories of midnight mass and family gatherings. Another audience member, Betty, shared how a single mom and her children traditionally reached out to others during the holiday season.

The event also featured traditional foods for the various holidays highlighted, including fresh fruit quesadillas eaten for Las Posada and St. Nicholas Day gingerbread cookies. Cultural outreach continued around the food table, as a Maine French instructor spoke in French to many of the LYAC members who are also fluent in that language.

Members of the 2013-14 Lewiston Youth Advisory Council are chair Fadumo Musse, vice-chair Nairus Abdullahi, treasurer Matt Chasse, secretary Jazy Dumas, Sheon James, Eric Hall, Kalgaal Issa, Sabin Lavorgna, Megan Pare, Deni Federico, Margaruette Seguin, Aida Vassell, Sumaya Sheikh, Hana Hassan, and Hana Elabe.

For more info about LYAC, visit www.lewistonmaine.gov/lyac.