For the past few weeks, the flags of countries around the world have been flying above the streets of Hancock and Houghton. Each flag represents at least one Michigan Tech student, and were raised in the leadup to the 37th annual Festival of Nations, hosted this past weekend, by Michigan Tech and the surrounding community.
Formerly known as the Parade of Nations, the event returned this year without the parade that many people enjoyed in previous years. Instead, organizers expanded the festival to better connect with the surrounding community. “The parade part of it really didn’t do a lot of that connection piece because you’re essentially just looking at the students marching in front of you,” International Programs and Services Director, Christian Montesinos said. “And so I wanted to expand it, make it a little bit more fun and relaxed … [and] have the community and the students really be able to engage in conversation.” This year’s festival, themed “Seven Wonders of the World,” ran from noon to 4 p.m. at The Dee Stadium and along the Houghton Waterfront Pier.
International food remained a major part of the celebration, with Michigan Tech student organizations and cultural groups serving dishes inside the stadium and on the Houghton Waterfront Pier. Food trucks and vendors sold a wide variety of items, while community organizations, artists, games, and other activities filled the area.
The Festival of Nations builds on the cultural celebration established by the Parade of Nations over the years. In lieu of the parade, the expanded festival format places a greater emphasis on performances and activities throughout the afternoon. Music, dance, food, and other traditions gave attendees opportunities to experience cultures represented throughout the community.
For retired Col. Dylan Carlson, senior Army instructor at Houghton High School, the festival also provided an opportunity for his JROTC students to experience different cultures. “For us, it’s really about exposure for our students, to see all this diversity, to see other cultures, to see other traditional dress, and the demonstration events,” Carlson said. “So I think this is really kind of a broadening opportunity for our students.”
The Festival of Nations also gives international students the opportunity to share their traditions with their new community. “[International students] love to feel seen and heard and respected,” Montesinos said. “They want to just come in here and do well and acclimate with everybody.”
