Cultures Will Converge at ODU International Festival April 12

A world of cultures will converge on the Old Dominion University campus this month when the Office of Multicultural Student Services hosts the Spring 2008 International Festival. More than 27 nations will be represented, with exhibits featuring cuisine, music, dance, folklore and other cultural traditions.

The festival is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 12, on ODU's Kaufman Mall. "Kaufman Mall will be transformed into a global village," said Lesa Clark, director of Multicultural Student Services. "Performances, music, dance, traditional costumes and crafts from Brazil, Ghana, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Poland, France, Panama, England, Scotland, Greece, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Latin America, Japan, Egypt and many other countries will provide an international experience that will educate and entertain."

Visitors can take part in activities such as belly dancing from Egypt, for example, have a discussion over Thai cuisine, learn Polish folk dancing and hear a Filipino string band. Many local and national organizations, including the Tidewater Scottish Society, the Peace Corps, the Swedish Women's Educational Association and the Sons of Italy, will be represented. An International Children's Village, for ages 5-12, will feature an afternoon of cultural performances, face painting, temporary tattoos, petting zoo, inflatables and obstacle course, dance, music, folk stories, puppets, origami, Bhangra and much more.

The activities are free and open to the public; ethnic foods and other items will be on sale at the International Marketplace.

The International Festival is sponsored by the Multicultural Alliance of Virginia and the World Affairs Council. For more information call the Office of Multicultural Student Services at 683-4406 or go to www.odu.edu/mss.

In the event of rain, the festival will move inside Webb University Center to the North Cafe, South Cafe and North Mall areas. Parking is available in the 43rd Street garage.