International Festival Brings Cultures Together Through Food, Music, and Community

Attending the 46th Annual International Festival, or iFest, this year was an amazing experience, and I now understand why it is considered one of the university’s most cherished annual traditions. When I arrived, the atmosphere was lively, welcoming, and full of energy, and you could also see that the iFest committee put their all in planning this event. There was so much happening all at once, from cultural displays and food to music and student performances. Students also dressed up in their cultural attire, which aided in making the celebration meaningful and fun.

One of the first things that stood out to me was hearing the Caribbean Vibe Steel Drum Band playing upon entry. Their music immediately brought a vibrant energy and made walking in feel like stepping into a cultural celebration. They even sang “One Love” by Bob Marley!

Another thing that stood out to me was the turnout. The event regularly brings in more than 1,000 attendees. Everywhere I looked, students were conversing with one another, visiting tables, taking pictures, eating food, and enjoying the performances.

I would say one of my favorite parts of iFest was visiting the different cultural tables. There were representations from Africa, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Dominican Republic, India, Iran, Israel, Mongolia, Puerto Rico, and Malaysia, and each table offered something unique. The one thing that I appreciated the most was how enthusiastic the students were about sharing their cultures. They were extremely eager to talk about their traditions, food, cultural practices, and clothing. In my opinion, their excitement made the experience feel welcoming and personal.

Walking around the event and visiting the different cultural tables was a learning experience as each table gave an insight into different traditions and histories, and there was so much pride seen in how each culture was represented. I personally enjoyed this event and the opportunity to experience it by moving from one table to another to learn something new. Speaking with individuals allowed the event to feel interactive rather than just something to observe.

The food was definitely one of the highlights. There were so many dishes represented, such as rice and beans, pork dumplings, chicken skewers, and chicken tacos, to name a few, and getting to try this wide variety of international foods made the experience more memorable. I strongly believe that food is one thing that really brings people together. Students were trying new things, talking about what they liked, and sharing the experience with each other.

Moreover, the student performances were another major highlight of this event. Watching the students perform through dance and music created an incredible amount of energy in the room. Every performance was a reflection of talent and dedication. There were constant cheering, videoing, and applause, and you could see that everyone was enjoying themselves. The performances were a good way to tie the event together, as it brought many of the cultures represented at the tables to life.

What made iFest stand out to me was how much it highlighted or focused on community. It was not only about showcasing different cultures, but also about creating a space where people can connect and appreciate each other’s backgrounds. Through conversations and performances, the event brought people together genuinely. I also appreciated the diversity that was seen at iFest as so many cultures represented in one place was a reminder of how much students contribute to the University through their different experiences and traditions.

By the end of the festival, it felt as if I had experienced so much. I enjoyed incredible food, watched the talented student performers, learned about cultures from around the world, and saw firsthand how events such as this bring people together. It was a celebration of culture, but also of community.

From the Caribbean steel drum music welcoming everyone in, to exploring the cultural tables, enjoying the food from different countries, and watching the student performances, every part of the festival contributed to an experience that was vibrant and meaningful.

iFest brings people together, celebrates diversity, and creates an environment where culture is shared in an engaging way. After experiencing it, I can understand why so many students look forward to it every year.