STARKVILLE — The International Fiesta returns to Mississippi State University’s Drill Field on Saturday for its 32nd year celebrating international cultures.
Hosted by MSU’s Holmes Cultural Diversity Center and the World Neighbors Association, the fiesta brings cultures and traditions from around the world to Starkville with international cuisines and cultural performances. More than 40 cultural organizations from MSU and the local community will be participating.
Joan Mylroie, a member of the World Neighbors Association, said the fiesta is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the international community without ever leaving home.
“The best part is talking to some of these folks and learning about them,” she told The Dispatch Thursday. “I like to describe it as a trip around the world without having to buy a plane ticket.”
Saturday’s event begins at 11 a.m. with a parade of international flags – an annual tradition at the fiesta where people carry flags from Allen Hall to the fiesta stage. Anyone interested in carrying a flag should arrive at Allen Hall about 15 minutes before the festival begins.
“We encourage people, not only participants but community members also, to grab a flag and join us in the parade,” said Karolina Kastisuchenka, program coordinator at the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center.
The fiesta has always drawn crowds to campus. Kastisuchenka said that’s likely because members of the international community are able to celebrate their cultures while locals can experience foods, traditions and performances they may have never seen.
“You have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to try different foods that are presented there,” she said. “You don’t have to travel outside the (United States) to try all those different cultures and cuisines. Then for students, it’s a chance to wear their national traditional clothing and feel that part of the culture while they’re away from home.”
After the parade, the fiesta will continue with cultural performances from campus organizations and local professional groups. Visitors will be able to visit the various booths and buy meals, snacks and sweets traditional to other cultures. Booths will also feature different displays, art and crafts. There will also be bouncy houses available for families with children.
During the fiesta, Mylroie suggests taking a minute to ask participants questions about their culture.
“If you talk to somebody from a foreign country, you get to know them,” she said. “It’s one thing to see a map. It’s another thing to be one-on-one with people and make friends. … What better way to learn about the world than to talk to somebody from another part of the world?”
HOW TO GO
■ WHAT: International Fiesta
■ WHEN: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
■ WHERE: Mississippi State University’s Drill Field
■ HOW: Free admission
McRae is a general assignment and education reporter for The Dispatch.
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