The SIU International Student Council kicked off the annual International Festival with the parade of flags. Students walked across campus wearing traditional dress and carrying flags from more than 30 countries.
After the parade, Carbondale Mayor Carolyn Harvey read a proclamation declaring this International Festival week.
The purpose of the week is to highlight the more than 80 countries and cultures represented at SIU. Aayush Timsina is the president of the International Student Council. He led today’s parade. He says bringing all these cultures together is a sign of solidarity and unity, "The traditions that they share, the food that they share. They can definitely represent the globe and it's an absolutely beautiful feeling to have them here."
The International Festival continues with an international food fest on Wednesday from 11am to 1pm at the SIU Student Center. Dishes range in price from $1 to $5.
On Friday they wrap up the week with a Cultural Show at 6:30 pm in the SIU Student Center Ballrooms. The show will feature including traditional clothing, dances, and music. The event is free to the public.
Find out more: International Student Council