It’s like taking a trip around the world without ever buying a plane ticket. That’s how World Neighbors Association President Joan Mylroie describes the International Fiesta held annually on Mississippi State University’s Drill Field. The 28th fiesta is set for Saturday, April 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free event hosted by the WNA and Holmes Cultural Diversity Center invites the public to celebrate world cultures and experience live performances, national attire, children’s games and international cuisine available for purchase.
All are invited to participate in the opening Parade of Flags by gathering at 10:45 a.m. in front of Allen Hall, said Mylroie. Flags from various countries will be available to carry.
About 50 student and community groups will set up displays and food booths to showcase aspects of different cultures.
MSU is currently a “home away from home” to 765 international students from 76 countries across the globe. The fiesta is an effective means of encouraging communication and understanding among people of different cultures and backgrounds, Mylroie said. “I think when people meet face-to-face, one-on-one, then stereotypes disappear, because they you’re talking to a person, not a ‘type.'”
Kei Mamiya, WNA vice president and Holmes Center program coordinator, said, ” … I love how a number of people including people from different countries, people from the United States, faculty, staff and students of the university, Starkville citizens, and people from other towns come together and experience various cultures around the world.”
Entertainment
Fiesta children’s activities will include pinatas, making paper beads, origami, unique African crafts, a dress-up box, jumpers and more, according to Mylroie.
The entertainment line-up will feature an African percussion ensemble, Trinidad and Tobago steel pan band, an Indian fusion dance group, Russian duet, South Korean dance, Japanese martial arts demonstration, Filipino folk dancers, Moroccan singer and Japanese dancers, among others.
For many, sampling the international cuisine available for purchase is a highlight. Student groups showcase recipes from native countries in hopes of winning the fiesta’s food competition.
Amy Moe Hoffman, of the MSU Geosciences Department, said, “My family has enjoyed the International Fiesta for as long as we have been in Starkville. … The exposure to diversity at MSU and the Golden Triangle region is so amazing. You do not get to see the depth of diversity until all the groups are together in one place.”
“The International Fiesta is probably my favorite event at MSU,” remarked senior psychology major Mukhunth Raghaven, who is from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. “It gives me a feeling of global citizenship and fellowship.”
For more information about the fiesta, contact Mamiya at 662-325-2033, email [email protected] or follow the fiesta on Facebook.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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