Charlotte, October 1, 2025
News Summary
The annual International Festival at UNC Charlotte drew nearly 20,000 attendees, celebrating global cultures through performances, food, and cultural experiences. Attendees explored vibrant booths representing various countries, indulging in traditional foods and engaging in cultural exchanges. Local organizations participated, emphasizing cultural awareness and community representation. The event transformed the campus into a lively global celebration, showcasing the rich diversity of traditions and fostering a sense of community amongst attendees.
Charlotte
The annual International Festival at UNC Charlotte drew nearly 20,000 attendees on Saturday, September 27, 2025, making it the university’s largest cultural event. The festival celebrated global cultures through an array of performances, food, and traditional experiences that transported visitors around the world without leaving campus.
Attendees strolled along vibrant pathways filled with lively music and the enticing aromas of international cuisines. Each cultural booth offered a unique glimpse into the diverse heritages of the participants. Representatives from various countries facilitated cultural exchanges, enriching the event for all who attended.
One notable cultural exhibit was the Venezuela booth, where Via Gomez, a mother of a UNC Charlotte student and a native of Caracas, showcased her country’s rich heritage through traditional foods, music, and colorful designs that reflected Venezuela’s stunning landscapes. Gomez proudly wore a dress embodying the colors of the Venezuelan flag while sharing her culture with attendees.
Additionally, Berina Rucic, a graduate student representing the Bosnian Student Organization, highlighted Bosnian traditions at her booth, which featured delectable dishes such as ćevapi and baklava, sourced from local restaurant Euro Grill and Café. All profits from sales at the Bosnia booth were donated to the Bosnian American Cultural Center in Charlotte, reinforcing the community’s commitment to cultural representation.
Kenny Lee, president of the Hmong Student Association, emphasized cultural awareness at the Hmong booth, focusing on educating festival-goers rather than generating profits. Meanwhile, the Türkiye booth featured an array of pastries and savory foods prepared by volunteers from the Charlotte-based Turkish organization ATA, providing attendees with a delicious taste of Turkish culture.
Local businesses also participated, prioritizing cultural awareness over monetary gain. The Nigerian Student Association offered traditional dishes and clothing, aiming to spread knowledge about Nigeria. Enny Ogunyemi, the association’s president, highlighted the booth’s role in educating attendees about it.
Likewise, the Kuwait booth showcased cultural education while selling small magnets, underlining the importance of sharing knowledge over making profits. Austin Ross, donning traditional Scottish attire, represented Scotland with a focus on cultural education rather than retail sales.
The festival’s various booths displayed unique cultural artifacts, traditional recipes, and opportunities for attendees to engage in active learning about different cultures. People actively participated by asking questions and absorbing new perspectives, marking the day as a celebration of diversity.
The event transformed UNC Charlotte’s campus into a vibrant global celebration filled with rich traditions and colorful representations. Beyond presenting individual cultures, the festival fostered a sense of community among the diverse cultural groups within Charlotte, promoting understanding and appreciation for global traditions.
FAQ
When did the annual International Festival take place at UNC Charlotte?
The annual International Festival took place at UNC Charlotte on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
How many people attended the festival?
Nearly 20,000 people attended the festival.
What activities and exhibits were featured at the festival?
The event featured a variety of performances, food, and cultural traditions from around the world, with booths that provided insights into various heritages.
What was the main goal of many local businesses participating in the festival?
Many local businesses participated with a primary goal of promoting cultural awareness rather than economic gain.
Key Features of the International Festival
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | September 27, 2025 |
| Attendance | Nearly 20,000 people |
| Main Activities | Performances, food tasting, cultural exhibits |
| Notable Booths | Venezuela, Bosnia, Kuwait, Scotland, Nigeria, Türkiye |
| Goals of Participants | Cultural awareness, community representation |
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Additional Resources
- Nine Times: Cultural Awareness Over Profit
- WCCB Charlotte: International Arts Festival Returns
- Axios: Charlotte International Arts Festival 2025
- Charlotte Observer: Things to Do
- QC Nerve: Charlotte International Arts Festival 2025
- Wikipedia: Culture
- Google Search: Charlotte International Festival
- Google Scholar: Cultural Awareness
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cultural Awareness
- Google News: International Festival Charlotte
Author: HERE Charlotte
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