Every year more people go to the International Fiesta, and every year the costumes and performances get more elaborate and colorful. From last year's winning performance of a Bollywood homage by the Indian Student Association to the rich reds of the Chinese SA's fan dance, the Fiesta has shown off the best of UB's diverse cultures for 36 years.
On Friday, UB will again celebrate its notably diverse student body with the Student Association's International Fiesta '06.
This year's event titled "Got Culture?" will include a two-part dinner and dance show event. The evening kicks off with an international buffet dinner that will showcase 16 different international club cuisines for $5 in the Student Union Flag Room beginning at 5 p.m.
Following the dinner, the evening continues with a multicultural dance show where 13 different clubs will compete in the Center for the Arts Main Stage beginning at 7:30 p.m.
International Fiesta used to be held in the Student Union, but due to increasing spectator attendance, the event was moved to the Center for the Arts last year.
Many members of the UB community feel the event highlights the diversity on campus.
"Diversity is an important factor of UB and the event gives you a broader view of other cultures. It gives participants and clubs a chance to show their pride," said Ashraf Badr, the International Club Council coordinator.
Last year, almost 2,000 people attended the event and organizers predict this year's event to be a success.
"It's a demonstration of a lot of cultures that are present on campus and a promotion for diversity, with about 170 performers in this years event. It's great entertainment as well as educational," Badr said.
The Indian Student Association, last year's winning club, is one of the many groups participating in this year's event. The ISA plans on bringing together multiple dance groups to represent from different areas in India.
"This year we're blending different cultures of Indian heritage and representing the different cultures through dance," said Karan Kumar, a sophomore electrical engineering major and member of ISA.
This year, ISA is bringing together four different Indian dance groups: Bhangra Club, Garba Raas Club, Jalwa Club and Nasha Club. Each of these clubs will have different dancers all coming together to display multiple places in India.
"Our goal is to win more hearts, because the competition is about displaying culture and showing your appreciation. It's not about winning the money or trophy it's about winning the hearts of the people," Kumar said.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
