February 06, 2013
International Festival set for Feb. 11-15
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- In celebrating diversity across the world and within the community, Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the International Student Council will present International Festival 2013 Feb. 11-15.
A variety of special events take place throughout the week, giving the campus community and the public the opportunity to experience other cultures. In years past, more than 3,000 people have participated in the event which features special movies, lectures, presentations, a bazaar, tastes of global cuisine and a cultural show.
The festival begins with the Parade of Flags at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 11. The procession begins at the Northwest Annex as international students, dressed in native attire, assemble and carry the flags of their nations across campus. The parade ends at the Student Center, where Chancellor Rita Cheng will deliver the International Festival Proclamation at 10:30 a.m.
The International Cultural Bazaar is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. also on Monday in the Student Center Art Gallery. International students will have the chance to showcase their respective country’s cultures.
The popular International Food Fair is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 13, in the Student Center Ballrooms. Those attending will have the opportunity to sample treats from all over the world prepared by SIU students. Tickets are just 50 cents apiece, and for one or more tickets, you get a taste of foods and delicacies from more than a dozen countries including Africa, China, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Spain and Thailand.
Tickets for the Food Fair are available at the event or in advance near the Student Center’s first floor north escalators between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Feb. 8, 11, and 12. Tickets also are available at the Student Center business office between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Feb. 6-13.
The International Buffet is from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 15, in the Renaissance Room and will also feature the tastes of many nations. Advance buffet tickets are available at the Student Center business office. Advance tickets are $6.75 for children ages 5-10, $13 for SIU Carbondale students and seniors citizens, and $14 for the public. Tickets purchased at the door will be $1 higher.
International Festival 2013 culminates with the Cultural Show that follows the buffet. The Ballrooms will come alive with presentations of all kinds by international students. This popular event kicks off at 7 p.m., and is free and open to the public.
For more information, including the complete schedule of events, visit http://studentcenter.siu.edu/international-festival/
or call 618/453-3438.