Mississippi State University’s international population represents 75 countries out of the nearly 200 countries in the world. Starkville is a second home for over 1,000 MSU students, academics and dependents who left the comfort of their native lands to pursue academic endeavors at the university. 
Every year since 1990, MSU has held an International Fiesta to showcase the food, culture and traditional attire of nations all over the world. More than 20 countries will be represented at the 24th annual International Fiesta Saturday on the Drill Field from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
The Fiesta, sponsored by the Starkville World Neighbors Association, stays true to its name and celebrates the cultures of various nations that most locals are not likely to come across otherwise. 
Joby Czarnecki, president of the World Neighbors Association and member of the International Fiesta planning committee, said the event is a hub for students to exchange cultural knowledge, as well as an opportunity to bestow a fresh perspective on one’s respective nation.
“The International Fiesta is a chance for international students and other students to showcase multiple aspects of their culture. One is able to get a glimpse of what is beyond the borders of Starkville,” she said. “You can see other cultures and break down some walls. It’s a chance to overwrite some of the stereotypes that we so often have and see that it is possible to get along despite what we see in the news.”
The Fiesta will commence with a parade of international flags, and event highlights include arts and crafts exhibits, native attire, traditional song and dance and tons of exotic culinary creations from around the world.
Xiaoxi Meng, MSU life science graduate student and China native, said the International Fiesta is a great opportunity to mingle with fellow international students and get a taste of different cultures.
 “During the International Fiesta, I have the chance to come across a lot of people from my country, as well as countries around the world. It is a great opportunity to be with people I know and to make new friends,” she said. “Getting the chance to eat authentic foods from all around the world is the most exciting aspect of the event for me.”
Meng said sampling food made from outsiders is not as refreshing as eating food made by a country’s native people.
“I often went out to have Thai food in China, but the food is made by Chinese people and it is not authentic,” she said. “The Fiesta provides the opportunity to have food made by Thai students.”
Zhikai Liang, a molecular biology graduate student, said the International Fiesta provides an outlet for Chinese students as well as other foreign students to join together and celebrate their countries.
“The Fiesta allows me to taste foods that I don’t normally have the chance to taste. When all of us Chinese students get together and eat our traditional dishes, it is like coming back home,” he said. “I’m also very happy that my foreign friends can appreciate our country’s food at the Fiesta.
In previous years, the Fiesta held a pageant in which a man and woman were crowned Mr. and Mrs. Fiesta; however, this year, the event will announce the winner of the International Fiesta essay-writing contest. 
The competition required international students to share, in 1,000 words or less, what they believe they may acquire from the United States and ideas of how the U.S. could learn from their nations.
The annual Fiesta is family-friendly with an inflatable bounce house, balloon animals, face-painting, relay races and a wide assortment of other games and activities for children. 
Czarnecki said she urges locals and the MSU students to attend Saturday and enjoy the festivities of the event, while providing comfort for students that have traveled thousands of miles to be here at MSU.
“I would encourage the citizens of Starkville and the students to come out and enjoy a beautiful day with food, music and children,” she said. “Our international students leave their homes, and their families and come here to study. We should show them support and make them feel welcome.”