Charlotte, NC, October 1, 2025

News Summary

The International Festival at UNC Charlotte attracted nearly 20,000 attendees, transforming the campus into a vibrant celebration of diverse global cultures. The event featured performances, international cuisine, and cultural displays from various countries. From traditional attire to educational booths, the festival aimed to promote cultural appreciation and community interaction among participants. Local representatives showcased their heritages without seeking profit, emphasizing education and support for their communities throughout the event.

Charlotte, NC – UNC Charlotte’s International Festival Draws Nearly 20,000 Attendees Celebrating Global Cultures

The annual International Festival at UNC Charlotte took place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, attracting nearly 20,000 people, making it the largest cultural event at the university. The festival transformed the campus into a vibrant global celebration, featuring performances, food, and a showcase of diverse cultural traditions.

During the event, attendees enjoyed music, the enticing aromas of international cuisines, and colorful displays of traditional attire. Halton Arena served as the venue for performances that included entertainers of all ages, bringing a variety of acts to the forefront.

Numerous booths represented different cultures, offering education and insights into various heritages. For instance, Austin Ross, who represented Scotland, donned traditional attire while sharing stories about his cultural background without seeking profit. His intent was to promote cultural appreciation among attendees.

At the Venezuela booth, Via Gomez showcased her country’s food and cultural identity while wearing a traditional dress that reflected the colors of the Venezuelan flag. Berina Rucic represented the Bosnian Student Organization, collaborating with the local restaurant Euro Grill and Café to serve authentic Bosnian dishes, with all proceeds benefiting the Bosnian American Cultural Center.

The Hmong Student Association, led by Kenny Lee, aimed to raise awareness about Hmong culture while also selling Thai tea at their booth. Meanwhile, the Türkiye booth featured volunteers, including Melek, who presented savory foods and pastries, using the event as an opportunity to raise funds for the Turkish community in Charlotte.

The Nigerian booth, managed by the Nigerian Student Association, offered traditional Nigerian cuisine and clothing, with some proceeds supporting student events. Yousef Aleidani and his co-hosts represented Kuwait, focusing on educating attendees about Kuwaiti culture while selling small items like magnets to foster awareness.

The festival emphasized cultural exchange and community interaction among participants. Representatives from various nations highlighted their heritage through both food and informative displays, further promoting education about diverse cultural backgrounds.

Many representatives expressed that the primary goal of the festival was to enhance cultural awareness rather than profit. This year’s event provided a significant opportunity for attendees to learn about and appreciate the various cultures, underscoring the importance of community ties within Charlotte’s diverse population.

Key Features of the International Festival

• Date: September 27, 2025
• Location: UNC Charlotte
• Attendance: Nearly 20,000 attendees
• Venue for Performances: Halton Arena
• Participating Cultures: Represented from various countries including Scotland, Venezuela, Bosnia, Thailand, Turkey, Nigeria, and Kuwait
• Focus: Cultural appreciation and education

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Additional Resources

• Niner Times: International Festival and Cultural Awareness
• Niner Times: Photos from the International Festival
• Charlotte Weekly: International Festivals to Attend
• Wikipedia: International Festival
• Google Search: International Festival

Author: HERE Charlotte

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