The International Festival will feature the International Parade of Flags (above) and the International Food Fair (below). (SIU Carbondale photos)
January 24, 2025
Celebrate traditions, cultures, connections at SIU’s International Festival Feb. 3-7
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s 2025 International Festival Feb. 3-7 will feature a variety of special events celebrating the diversity, inclusiveness and numerous cultures represented at SIU and throughout the region.
“Celebrating Traditions, Building Connections” is the theme for the weeklong festival, which dates back more than half a century. Large crowds typically gather on campus from miles around each year to enjoy the largely student-led festivities.
“This annual event celebrates the rich diversity of global cultures, and the events provide wonderful opportunities for the community to engage with and experience the many cultures represented at SIU,” said Tatiana Castillo, media officer for the International Student Council.
Kicks off with a parade
You won’t want to miss the kickoff for the festival as the International Parade of Flags on Feb. 3 is truly a sight to behold. Beginning at 10 a.m., students, faculty and staff from around the world will begin walking from Woody Hall, carrying flags representing their nations. Many will wear their native attire as well during this colorful, impressive spectacle.
The procession wraps up at the Student Center’s International Lounge where the official proclamation and university welcome ceremony takes place at 10:30 a.m. Campus leaders and city officials will participate.
Taste international cuisine
One of the much-anticipated highlights of the week is the International Food Fair, as visitors will have the chance to sample foods from around the world. The food fair begins at 11 a.m. Feb. 5 in the Student Center Ballrooms.
Students prepare and share foods that are popular in their homelands. Attendees purchase tickets for $1 each and then submit one or more tickets to buy various food items. The menu includes such fare as lacchi (a Bangladeshi sweet yogurt drink), shrimp pakora (Indian shrimp fritters), ash reshteh (Persian stew with noodles), puff puff (an African fried dough treat), arepa de chocolo (Colombian corn cake) and so much more.
Participating student organizations and groups include the African Students’ Union, Bangladesh Student Association, Indian Student Association, Fulbright Student Association (comprising a variety of countries), Nepalese Student Society, Sri Lankan Student Association, Iranian Students Association, Pakistan Students Association and Latin American Student Association (including Honduras, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Brazil, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Chile and Peru).
The event is scheduled to run until 1 p.m., but it’s not uncommon to run out of some dishes before then, so organizers encourage visitors to arrive early to ensure the best selection of cuisine.
Tickets for the food fair go on sale Jan. 27 and will be available for purchase in the Student Center near the north escalators and the University Bookstore in advance at these times and dates:
- Jan. 27-31, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Feb. 3, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Feb. 4, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Please note that there will no advance ticket sales at the Student Center Business Office as in previous years. Tickets can also be purchased at the food festival.
Follow the SIU Office of Student Engagement and the SIU International Student Council on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates, complete menus and more.
Explore options for studying abroad
The Study Abroad Fair is a one-stop opportunity for students to learn about some of SIU’s vast array of study abroad programs. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 5 in the Student Center International Lounge. Contact Thomas Saville, study abroad director, at tsaville@siu.edu, with questions.
Experience an international culture showcase
The finale of the week is the Cultural Show, featuring entertainment from around the world, provided by SIU students. They will showcase their diverse backgrounds, cultures and nations through performances of song, dance and more. It all takes place at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, in the Student Center Ballrooms. Everyone is welcome to attend the free, family friendly event.
The International Student Council, a registered student organization, coordinates the International Festival with assistance from the Center for International Education, the Office of Student Engagement and the Student Center. Sponsors also include the Division of Student Affairs, Student Programming Council, Undergraduate Student Government, Graduate and Professional Student Council, Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Graduate School, the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology and Mathematics, and Regions Bank.
For additional information, visit the Student Center website, email getinvolved@siu.edu or global@siu.edu or call 618-453-5714.