What could unite children, adults, elders and people of different cultures and societies in the Mississippi State University community? An annual event at MSU, coming up soon, checks all these boxes.
International Fiesta, an event that not only joins generations but borders and cultures at MSU, will be hosted on April 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Drill Field.
History behind International Fiesta
Ruth Mendoza de la Cruz and her husband organized the first Fiesta when they became residents of Starkville. The first International Fiesta started in 1991 and was organized by World Neighbors Association and MSU International Services. It was held in downtown Starkville, and it has become popular over time, bringing it to Drill Field.
Mendoza de la Cruz explained that the idea came from her country of origin, the Republic of the Philippines, where each city celebrates Fiesta once a year.
“That’s how I got the idea and started the International Fiesta 33 years ago and going,” Mendoza de la Cruz said.
Mendoza de la Cruz is also in this year’s planning committee along with seven others from World Neighbors Association within the International Institute and Holmes Center for Student Success.
What to expect
The event kicks off with the famous Parade of Flags. Karolina Kastsiuchenka, coordinator of International Student Engagement at the Holmes Center for Student Success, said that there will be 200 flags that represent the multitude of countries represented, and anyone interested can join the parade by meeting in front of Allen Hall at 11 a.m. on Apr. 12th.
For those interested in the event, Kastsiuchenka suggested that students grab a program booklet from the Holmes Center for Student Success table on the day of the event for a list of maps, sponsors and other important details of the event.
A new addition to this year’s program is a cultural fashion show, which will showcase diverse, traditional attire from around the world. Following the show, winners for Best Dish, Best Dessert and Best Display categories will be announced.
For some, it can be difficult to put into words the feeling of stepping onto the Drill Field as the borders blur and cultures unite. Whether that be through the staple “Tinikling” dance of the Filipino Cultural Association, where dancers gracefully move between bamboo poles while others clap the poles together, mimicking birds in their flights, or the Sri Lankan Student Association’s booth, which consistently wins the awards for the best display. The Sri Lankan Student Association will be back with Yaka masks to give a tour of their tradition and rituals. With 45 booths this year, an increased number compared to last year, the competitions will be amplified. 
However, the competition does not stop with cultural displays. The true battle lies within the culinary competition, as food on the Drill Field is almost irresistible to college students and community members alike, no matter how full your stomach is.
Learning experience
It may be tempting to get lost in the food and festivities, but International Institute Assistant Director Malia Schimminger said the most valuable quality of the event is learning about different cultures.
“We have over 800 international students with an F1 Visa from about 80 countries,” Schimminger said.
To enhance the International Fiesta’s educational experience, deputy director of research development, Masey Smith, and research development project manager, Chance Carden, from the International Research Development Office of the MSU International Institute, have created a new booth, StoryWalk, for the fiesta. StoryWalk is an interactive storytelling project designed to educate young students about different countries. The booth will also provide information on funding opportunities for faculty and student on international research.
For young attendees looking for new knowledge of other cultures, the booth from the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literature could be the stop to make. Kelly Moser is an associate professor of Spanish and world language teaching in the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures. Moser has worked on cultural suitcases and passport activities, which are cases full of information on a particular country, that she hosts monthly at the Starkville Public Library. She will have a table at the event come Apr. 12th. Aside from general knowledge, Moser expressed that learning about a variety of customs and societies will encourage a broader outlook on life.
“Knowing about the world, they get to see the perspectives of people who are both similar and different from them,” Moser said.
As a bridge from community to campus with events for all ages, the “children’s village” also on the Drill Field will house inflatables, piñatas, face painting, origami and pabitin.
Above all, International Fiesta serves as a reminder that, despite our differences, we are fundamentally connected.
Joan Mylroie, a retired geography instructor from MSU, who is also a part of the planning committee, said the International Fiesta is a great way to experience other countries and cultures while in Starkville.
“No matter where you go, people are friendly and we all have the same values,” said Mylroie while explaining her experience traveling to 40 different countries. “This is the cheapest way to get around the world without having to buy a ticket on an airplane.”
Whether you are an MSU student who has attended the Fiesta before, a newcomer experiencing it for the first time or someone in town for a visit, the International Fiesta seems to have something for everyone.