Dancers perform at a previous year’s Festival of Nations. Photo: Wayne Armstrong
The University of Denver’s 31st annual Festival of Nations, taking place April 12 in the Ritchie Center, is a unique opportunity for the DU community to learn about the diverse international presence on campus. The afternoon will be filled with food, dancing and even a fashion show.
“I’m looking forward to promoting DU’s inclusivity and showing that everyone has a culture, no matter where they come from,” says Kelsey Abbott, international student advisor and chair of the Festival of Nations planning board.
More than 24 different booths will feature DU groups such as the Thai Student Association, Students for Justice in Palestine, the DU German Club and the Saudi Student Club.
“People who aren’t normally in the same space will be brought together by the festival and get to experience each other’s cultures,” says Nancy Lien, a senior chemistry major who is part of the festival planning committee.
Dance groups scheduled for the event include the Tango Club, the Latin Dance Club and the Pioneer Breakers; the First Edition, a women’s a cappella ensemble, also will perform.
The grand finale, a cultural fashion show, will begin around 3:15 p.m. It includes traditional multicultural clothing, as well as shirts from student clubs.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for students and community members to show off their pride of who they are and where they come from,” Abbott says.
The Festival of Nations is a student-led event coordinated by the International Student Organization and assisted by the Festival of Nations Planning Board.
The festival concludes Global Education Week at DU, an annual event celebrating international educational events across campus. The inaugural University of Denver Summit on Internationalization, taking place April 11, features lectures, breakout sessions and workshops.
The Festival of Nations runs from noon to 4 p.m. April 12 in the Ritchie Center Concourse, 2240 Buchtel Blvd. Entrance to the festival is free and open to the DU and Denver community, but there is a charge for food and merchandise sold at the booths.