Want to get away? Travel the world without leaving campus

If you’re looking for weekend plans that involve food tastings from a variety of cultures, dance performances from around the world and music that carries an African beat, look no further than the International Food and Music Festival on the uptown campus of Tulane University.

The event takes place Saturday, March 18, on Newcomb Quad from 3-7 p.m.

“This festival provides the opportunity for the international community to share part of who they are and what they celebrate, and for all of us to learn something about the rest of the world,” said Kristy Magner, director of the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at Tulane.

“This festival provides the opportunity for the international community to share part of who they are and what they celebrate."

— Kristy Magner, director of the Office of International Students and Scholars

The lineup includes performances by Vietnamese Lion Dancers, Kumbukaa—a West African drumming group, flamenco dancers and Chinese folk dancers. International students and faculty will provide dishes from their home countries and local restaurants will cater food from countries not represented.

The festival will also feature ‘cultural tables’ with information about the food, music and traditions of the countries represented. A new feature to this year’s festival is a demonstration area where participants can learn how to write their name in a different language, how to do cultural dances or create patterns using henna.

Carolyn Barber-Pierre, assistant vice president for student affairs said that OISS and the Office of Multicultural Affairs have collaborated on this event for more than a decade. The partnership also produces other Tulane traditions like the International Thanksgiving Potluck.

All current Tulane students, staff and faculty with a valid Tulane ID may attend the event free of admission. The cost to the public is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Attendees must RSVP online and bring their tickets. Anyone with interest in volunteering, donating international food or performing at the festival can sign up here.

Hannah Dean is a senior majoring in Political Science and Latin American Studies.

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