A bagpipe and drum ensemble greeted participants Saturday morningin the Parade of Flags opening ceremony at the Mississippi State University International Fiesta. An African dance group led approximately 100 people bearing flags of their home country through the drill field to mark the beginning of the 34th annual festival. Dozens of student groups set up tents containing displays about their culture and selling samples of food. Peter Imes/Dispatch Staff

Jonathan Scott practices a traditional Philippine folk dance, called tinikling, Saturday afternoon alongside members of MSU’s Filipino Culture Association. Scott said it was his first time performing the dance. “It’s cool to see everybody showing off their cultures,” he said. “That’s what we need at this time.” Cadence Harvey/Dispatch Staff

Arian Juarez dances alongside members of MSU’s Latino Student Association early Saturday afternoon during the 34th annual International Fiesta on the Drill Field. Hundreds of attendees and dozens of vendors came out to the 34th annual festival to share their own cultural practices and cuisines and experience others. Cadence Harvey/Dispatch Staff

Prachi Pannu prepares bowls of chicken paneer for a line of customers Saturday at the International Fiesta on MSU’s Drill Field. Pannu said her favorite part of the annual festival is always the performances and the food. Cadence Harvey/Dispatch Staff

Jingshuo Yang gives a drawing to Chloe Zhao, 7, at the MSU Figure Drawing Club booth during the International Fiesta on the Drill Field. Yang said she enjoyed seeing how many people came out to the event. “The people are so happy,” she said. “People can do anything here and enjoy their time and enjoy the sunshine.” Cadence Harvey/Dispatch Staff

Ze Davis, a member of MSU’s Filipino Culture Association, holds a bamboo lattice full of treats Saturday afternoon and waits for children to line up to play pabitin, a traditional Filipino party game. Davis said he enjoyed experiencing the different cultural experiences offered at the event. Cadence Harvey/Dispatch Staff

Radhika Ravi paints henna on an attendee’s hand Saturday afternoon at the India Cultural Organization of Starkville booth during the International Fiesta on the Drill Field. Ravi said she has been practicing henna for about five years. Cadence Harvey/Dispatch Staff

Justin Lewis breaks a wooden board held by Robert Lamb, a member of MSU’s Taido Karate Club, Saturday afternoon on the Drill Field during the International Fiesta. Lewis said the student group regularly attends the annual festival. “I just like that there’s so many different cultures that can all come together,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun.” Cadence Harvey/Dispatch Staff

Samsun Sun writes “I love you” in Chinese characters for an attendee at the International Fiesta on Saturday at the Drill Field. Sun is a pastor at Starkville Chinese Christian Church. Cadence Harvey/Dispatch Staff