International Fiesta (IF) is an annual UB event where international and minority student organizations have the opportunity to express their cultures on the big stage. While the performances are visually amazing, IF is about more than just dancing and entertainment. Each routine has a deeper message behind it, often shedding light on issues that tend to be overlooked.
Performances are evaluated by a panel of judges, with certain groups earning a ranking and a trophy, an accomplishment that many clubs yearn for during their tenure at UB. For others, the true reward is celebrating their identity and sharing their culture.
Preparing for IF requires immense dedication, time and collaboration. Several participating student organizations shared their perspectives, offering insight into the preparation process and what IF truly means to them.
Sri Lankan Student Association (SLSA)
Sri Lanka, though small in size, is home to a beautiful blend of cultures, languages and traditions. The Sri Lankan Student Association prides itself on representing and celebrating this cultural richness on campus. As IF draws near, the intensity and desire to produce a meaningful performance is felt by all clubs, but the members of SLSA are fully embracing every aspect of preparation.
“Of course I want to be hopeful about winning, but what has always mattered the most is making meaningful memories and truly enjoying every moment one last time,” says Aisha Rahman, a senior psychology major.
Through careful deliberation and creative collaboration, SLSA believes they have crafted a story that will leave a lasting impression on the audience. “Without giving away the plot, I just hope that our performance conveys strength for voices that are often silenced,” says Sneha Kurien, a senior exercise science and physical therapy major.
More than a chance to compete, IF has become a moment for the SLSA members to come together as one, finding comfort in their camaraderie and shared purpose. Although SLSA was only established in 2018, their presence on the IF stage has cemented the club as a powerful force capable of delivering performances that tell meaningful stories.
Filipino American Student Association (FASA)
The Filipino American Student Association is an organization committed to honoring and celebrating the vast cultures and traditions that make up the Philippines. Through dance, music and storytelling, FASA brings the spirit of the Filipino community to life on the IF stage.
FASA is no stranger to success, as they earned second place and the Most Inspirational Award for their 2024 performance.
A highlight of FASA’s routines is a traditional Philippine folk dance called tinikling, which involves at least two people tapping and sliding bamboo poles on the ground as one or more dancers step over and in between the poles. This iconic dance has become a defining element of FASA’s performances and a staple that audiences eagerly anticipate. This year, they have something different planned, a routine unlike anything the club has performed before. Although FASA is a seasoned IF performer, they continue to approach the event with a competitive mindset.
“As a leader, it’s my job to keep the team focused on success and to inspire competitiveness. The fun part comes naturally to Filipinos,” says Nyah Dawson, a junior law and environmental sustainability major.
While FASA remains committed to excellence, they also take time to embrace the journey and find pleasure at every step. Dawson notes how preparation has a “fair share of goofing around,” which helps ease tension and keeps spirits high. By balancing a mindset of success with an environment filled with happiness, FASA ensures that the weeks leading up to IF remain both productive and fun. The introduction of a new routine is a source of anticipation for long-time FASA lovers and contains an impactful story at its core.
“Our story exhibits how Filipinos continue to endure through the spirit of Bayanihan — or the spirit of community — reaffirming that perseverance remains at the heart of the Filipino identity,” Dawson adds.
Whether it's your first time attending IF or a returning admirer, FASA’s performance is set to inform those unfamiliar with Filipino culture.
Indian Student Association (ISA)
India is often described as one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, containing over 2,000 distinct ethnic groups and over 120 major languages. The Indian Student Association is an organization dedicated to highlighting and showcasing cultures that make up this vibrant nation. ISA has also seen its fair share of success on the IF stage, with a third-place win in 2025 and a first-place win in 2024.
With a strong track record of continued excellence, the pressure leading up to IF can feel heightened, but Justin Uralil, a senior biological sciences major, explains, “If you practice everything enough that it becomes muscle memory, it allows you to not worry about remembering the steps and enjoy performing.”
It’s apparent that perfecting a routine to the point of it becoming second nature is key in prioritizing the happiness and comfortability of the performers.
“Our main goal is to create an enjoyable environment for everyone participating, new and old members,” Uralil adds.
Seniority doesn’t define ISA’s Fiesta prep. Whether you just joined or have been part of the group for many years, everyone is encouraged to have fun and savor the moments that make this event so special.
Latin American Student Association (LASA)
Over 20 countries make up the vibrant and diverse region of Latin America, which has been influenced by a combination of European, Asian, African and Indigenous cultures. The Latin American Student Association provides a forum for celebrating and showcasing the diversity of Latin American culture, which is characterized by hundreds of languages, customs and stories.
Representing a nation that encompasses a vast array of cultures can sometimes be a source of pressure, but Marcus Soler, a senior business administration major, explains that “the pressure of representing my community does build up sometimes, but I find peace in knowing that I consider everyone on the team as family.” LASA’s mindset is not defined by winning, but by paying homage to a region that holds deep meaning for its members.
“We really want people to understand and recognize that what is going on, especially within the Latino community, isn’t just about injustice and politics but a violation of basic human rights,” Soler adds.
The impact of representation and awareness lasts far beyond this one night, and through this performance, LASA aims to amplify voices that deserve to be heard. Although preparation can be overwhelming at times, Soler notes that “It really feels like a party when we are all together on stage.” LASA has made it clear that IF is not just a competition but a platform for awareness and solidarity. But at every hurdle and obstacle that may appear, LASA ensures that an atmosphere of joy is prioritized.
Pakistani Student Association (PSA)
After a brief hiatus, PSA is returning to the Fiesta stage with sheer invigoration and excitement, eager to unveil everything they’ve been working on. Pakistan itself is a nation filled with cultural diversity, home to a wide range of ethnic groups and artistic expressions that shape its identity. PSA graced the IF stage in 2019 as an exhibition act, later competing in a joint performance with ISA. The last time they independently performed was in 2022. Now, after four years away from the competition, they are stepping back on to the IF stage.
The anticipation among members is undeniable. “I’ve been waiting, I’m so excited. I’ve wanted to do this since my freshman year,” said Ibrahim Hussain, a senior neuroscience major.
That long awaited return has only intensified their passion. Their excitement is a motivator for PSA, hoping to leave their mark and take in the moment they have waited years for.
But of course, a break of four years can make it challenging to curate a performance that succeeds in both storytelling and entertainment. But PSA has regained its footing again thanks to the support of a strong community.
“It was pretty hard at first, none of us really knew how to do it. But I eventually learned how everything ran with the help from older PSA members, friends from ISA and FSA, they all gave me really good advice,” Hussain explains.
Even though the clubs that offered a hand to PSA were competitors, they were able to set the rivalry aside and join hands. “We’re all going to be cheering for each other, I know that for a fact. We’re all super excited for each other,” Hussain adds.
There is genuine love and a shared sense of unity between all teams competing. While the word “compete” implies a winner and loser, the PSA members want it to be known that every club supports and uplifts each other
When asked about the importance of winning, Hussain adds, “It sounds corny, but the real prize is the journey we all took together.” Through innovative props and a compelling storyline, PSA is ready to bring their vision to life and share the stage with clubs that have been a guiding hand throughout preparation.
Organization of Arab Students (OAS)
The Organization of Arab Students serves as a space where students can connect through language, food and music, with events dedicated to celebrate the diverse histories that make up the Arab world. In regards to IF prep, OAS had a bit of a shaky start but nonetheless persevered through obstacles as a unit.
“We didn’t have much numbers, but we built ourselves up. We locked in these couple of weeks and overall the experience has been great,” Mahmoud Alkiswani, a freshman exercise science major shares.
With a mindset focused on quality, OAS has crafted a dance routine and storyline that aims to impact viewers from all walks of life.
“A lot of people coming in from other countries to the Western world tend to put their heritage to the side. We believe heritage defines who you are as a person. Embrace who you are, there’s no shame,” Alkiswani adds.
With UB encompassing students from all parts of the globe, OAS wants students to know that shame should be distant when it comes to appreciating and adoring the place you come from.
But with IF being the largest cultural event at UB, a competitive flame is ignited within OAS members, but they guarantee a balance is reached to avoid burnout and distress.
“We believe that competition breeds success. Although we’re there to compete, we’re also there to have fun. It’s the best of both worlds. As long as we’re having fun, we have no problem,” Alkiswani notes.
The members of OAS are unafraid to embrace competition and see it as a means of enjoyment. Although competition is usually associated with immense pressure, OAS finds comfort in knowing that they’re giving it their all. When asked how members calm their nerves before a big performance such as IF, Alkiswani shared,
“I mean we just go out there and do what we do.”
Nerves on stage don't seem to be a blockade affecting the performance that is to be given on Saturday by OAS. As Feb. 14 approaches, OAS continues to work hard during team practices and are ready to pour their heart out on the IF stage.
International Fiesta remains one of the most important and impactful events at UB and continues to be a show that students eagerly anticipate. The concept of IF being cut-throat and an opportunity to solely win awards has been debunked by the competing clubs. One thing they all had in common was the fact that they all expressed feelings of pure joy when Fiesta season rolls around. Don’t forget to attend IF on Feb. 14 to witness all of their hard work come to life!
Saqib Khan is the assistant features editor and can be reached at saqib.khan@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Comecoquito | Wikimedia Commons
