GEO sets date for annual International Festival

The Global Education Office(GEO) hosts UNM's global community at its annual International Festival on April 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cornell Mall.

The event will feature a kaleidoscope of cultures as GEO showcases the rich diversity of international students that call Albuquerque home. From traditional dances to cultural cuisines, arts and crafts and informational booths, GEO says there's something for everyone to enjoy.

"Each year, GEO collaborates with international students, ethnic food vendors, and local performers to showcase different facets of our global community. It's a joyous occasion where our international students share a piece of their home culture with the wider campus. I encourage everyone to attend and experience the richness of diversity at UNM," Executive Director of the Global Education Office Nicole Tami said.

Originally part of International Education Week, the festival transitioned to its standalone event in April 2005 due to its overwhelming popularity. The 2023 festival was a testament to that, with a huge boost in attendance and participation from 2022.

With over 1,300 international students and scholars from 96 countries, GEO is excited to highlight this global community's cross-cultural awareness, especially ahead of its 60th/Diamond anniversary commemoration.

Fourteen different student clubs will be participating and selling items to raise money for their clubs-so cash is recommended if attending. This massive event is also supported by three UNM departments, and 20 outside artisan and food vendors.

The community can also enjoy cultural celebrations ahead of the event, with GEO's Culture Nights; Nepali Night will take place on April 7 and a Holi Festival celebration will be on April 14.

Admission to the event is free and open to the public.