Global Campus lunchtime takeovers

Tuesday 1 October: Nigerian Independence Day Lunchtime Takeover

64 years after Nigeria gained independence, celebrate with a menu of West African dishes right here at York St John!

Every year on 1 October independence is celebrated across Nigeria with parades, speeches and parties. The colours of the Nigerian flag are everywhere, from women's green and white Gele head wraps to banners hung from houses and street signs.

Friday 1 November: Day of the Dead  Lunchtime Takeover

Enjoy some Mexican food as we celebrate Dia de Los Muertos, a joyful period of remembrance celebrated across Mexico.

Rather than mourning their dead loved ones, Mexican families gather to remember them with love and laughter. Ofrendas (altars) are covered with the deceased person's favourite food and drinks, with the hope that their spirit will visit and hear the prayers and well wishes being said for them. Pillows and blankets are also left near tombstones, so the spirits visiting can rest after their long journey from the afterlife. Calaveras, or skulls, have been associated with the celebrations for hundreds of years. A particular skeleton in a huge flowered hat, called Catrina, has become a symbol of the holiday. People paint their faces and don their fanciest outfits as they take to the streets to celebrate with noisy, colourful parades.

Thursday 28 November: Thanksgiving Lunchtime Takeover

Thanksgiving dinner is the be all and end all in the grand old US of A. So today enjoy some festive food in our canteen as the holiday season begins! The American holiday of Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year and gives families a chance to gather and remember everything they are grateful for.

Did you know, the USA consumes more food on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year? A traditional Thanksgiving meal includes turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, gravy, stuffing and cranberry sauce - not far from a British Christmas dinner! The main course can also have sweet elements, like the popular sweet potato and marshmallow casserole.

Christmas Lunchtime Takeover (date to be confirmed)

Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas! Celebrate before the end of term with a delicious (and very British) Christmas dinner. We'll be enjoying some of the 9 million turkeys consumed in the UK every December, as well as all the classic sides including roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, parsnips and Brussels sprouts.