STARKVILLE — The spring sun shone down as flags from countries around the world whipped in the April wind. People ambled along the brick walkway, learning about different cultures and trying various cuisines.
While to many the scene sounds like it’s set somewhere like New York City, it was actually the scene on the Mississippi State University Drill Field on Saturday for the 31st International Fiesta, which dates back to 1991.
More than 50 student and cultural groups set up booths and treated hundreds of festival-goers to food, cultural dances, music, games and other activities.
The Colombian booth featured arepas and lime desserts as two women who manned the booth were dressed as characters from “Encanto,” an animated Disney film set in Colombia. There was a constant long line of customers at the Vietnamese Student Association booth to get boba tea, and fresh fruits and cold horchata drew in a crowd at the Latino Student Association booth.
Micah Pierre-Louis, a freshman MSU student from Columbus with Haitian roots, is part of the Caribbean Student Association. She said the group was established in February, and this is her first International Fiesta.
“The food is my favorite part, but I do love learning about all of the different countries,” Louis told The Dispatch. “This is CSA’s first International Fiesta, but we’ve definitely got a lot planned for the future. So far we had a jerk festival where we had jerk chicken, sides and other Caribbean food. We had a lot of people come out. … Being from the area, I want people to be aware of the cultural diversity that’s here.”
To kick off the event, flags from represented nations were carried through the Drill Field and taken to the stage in front of Carpenter Hall. The Trebull Dawgs performed the Star Spangled Banner, and festival goers were welcomed by Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill and MSU Vice President for Access, Diversity and Inclusion Ra’Sheda Forbes.
There were 14 performances from dance to music throughout the day, and there were contests for best main food dishes, desserts and displays.
“Listening to the acapella group, I think of the different voices that come together to make the beautiful, beautiful sound we heard (from Trebull Dawgs), and you think about the different countries that come together to make us, the campus and Starkville, a great place to live, work, play and learn,” Spruill said. “… It makes me so proud knowing how many international students are a part of our community.”
Though the festival was completely free to attend, food and souvenirs from the various groups were available for purchase. There was something for everyone no matter their age or their taste palate – from bouncy houses and face painting to corn hole and a pinata.
Andrew Nagel, a Starkville resident, came to the festival with his family to experience all of the nationalities and cultures that make up MSU and Starkville.
“It’s such nice weather out, and it’s great to see all of the people, cultures and nationalities that are out here,” Nagel said. “I’ve been to International Fiesta several times, and I always love experiencing the different cultures and environments of people who are our neighbors. The kids always have a good time playing with everybody and seeing their friends outside of school and church.”
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 46 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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