Peking University, November 18, 2024:  Hosting 47 countries and regions from five continents and setting up 55 booths for the International Culture Festival (ICF) in Khoo Teck Puat Gymnasium is no easy feat. Yet, every year, a diverse team comprising of PKU staff and students unites in this mission, volunteering their time and energy selflessly in their commitment to deliver a cultural extravaganza. This year, we had the opportunity to interview and feature some of the students involved in the 21st ICF preparation. Read on as we delve into the nique stories of the ICF family, and join us as we uncover the backstage view of this festival!

The Director Entourage: PKU Office of International Relations
As the main organizer of ICF, PKU Office of International Relations provides the vision and direction of the event, themed "Unity in Diversity: A Joint Journey". A student leader under the Office of International Relations, philosophy undergraduate student Chen Nanrun served as the overall manager of the ICF Culture Carnival, handling the coordination with booth leaders and organizing the flow of the event. 

Since July, Chen Nanrun led a team of 30 members working tirelessly to drive the event forward, joined by a total of 150 volunteers during the actual day for on-site work. Speaking on the difficulties encountered, Chen Nanrun cited the venue transition, as an indoor location was utilized for the first time due to weather and site-related reasons, but believed that it was definitely a "brand-new and exciting experience" for participants and organizers alike. Indeed, through the colossal efforts of the organizers and volunteers, the Culture Festival proved to be a successful stage that showcased the diverse cultures of international students at Peking University. 

Student organizers and volunteers

Culture Carnival
The country culture booths are the highlight of ICF, where international students donned in traditional costumes entertain participants with local delicacies, nostalgic childhood games, and fun facts about their home-country. The booths were decked with country memorabilia and beautiful decorations, filling the festival with flags of all colors. 
This year, Panama is a new addition. A small community of five, the Panamanian students in PKU came together with a dream of exhibiting their culture at ICF. 
Panamanian student Katherine, an undergraduate from the School of Journalism and Communication, shared that their inexperience in preparing for the booth, coupled with limited budget and personnel were some challenges faced in the beginning. Through effective communication and having sought advice from fellow ICF participants, their efforts came into fruition with interesting tongue twister games in Spanish and the classic Panamanian dessert arroz con leche. "We hope to have a booth that just screams "Panama" and do better with each passing year."

Panama booth

Embodying the same spirit of cultural pride, the Malaysian booth featured their signature Henna service, offering festival participants a chance to accessorize with intricate floral patterns on their arms. 

Henna artist Yip Min Shiuan, a freshman from the School of Physics, revealed that they prepared four simple and beautiful Henna designs symbolizing good luck and auspiciousness for ICF. The time pressure was intense for the Henna artists, he shared, who worked in groups to improve efficiency and practiced their Henna skills intensively in the one month countdown to ICF. After the event, Min Shiuan reflected, "We think that we have achieved the desired effect, driving the atmosphere and attracting participants to experience Malaysian culture." 

Henna service at the Malaysia booth

Another ASEAN country that stole the spotlight was Indonesia, with elaborate drapes of local snack packets and a furnished bicycle adorning their booth. Speaking on the theme of their booth, Louis Hendrison, an undergraduate student from Yuanpei College, shared, "Our booth warung reflects the essence of our local culture, where small, versatile shops offer everything from snacks to essential household items like laundry powders."

Elaborate drapes at the Indonesia Booth

By recreating the warung experience, he expressed the desire "to offer visitors a glimpse into the lives of everyday Indonesians" and "a celebration of the ordinary ways in which (these shops) impact lives and pave the way for a brighter future". A process beginning in July, the preparation progressed in phases, from conceptualization to selecting suitable sponsors, followed by team expansion and logistics coordination - truly a remarkable feat and a testament to the excellent capabilties and dedication from the Indonesian team.

Indonesian teams

Michelle Maridiyah Abu, a visiting student from the School of Chinese as a Second Language, shared the perspective of the Ghanian students in ICF preparation. Featuring the Ghanian local game oware, played with marbles and a wooden base, and the popular Ghanaian candy choco milo, made from Ghanian cocoa powder, she credited support from the Ghanain embassy for a smooth preparation proccess, and hoped that "visitors can enrich their knowledge on our beautiful Ghanaian Culture".

Ghanian students at their booth

Overwhelmed with excitement to promote their booth's theme, "Threads of India: A Saree and Snacks Experience," Riddhima Singh, a visiting student from the School of Chinese as a Second Language and head of the Indian booth team, shared, "It has been such a fulfilling experience preparing for this booth, as we had the chance to share a piece of India's rich culture." Visitors were given the unique opportunity to wear an Indian saree and take photos, allowing them to experience the elegance and cultural significance of this iconic garment. "The saree (is) a canvas for India’s culture, tradition, and regional artistry, with each saree tells a unique story."

the India's booth

Student trying on a saree 

"No Indian celebration is complete without snacks," and the delicious menu curated by the Indian students included the melt-in-your-mouth soan papdi, a sweet made from sugar and gram flour, Nimko, a savory and spicy mix of crispy fried lentils, nuts, and spices, and a spiced tea brewed with cardamom and ginger, showcasing Indian hospitality at its finest.

Similarly, "When you think of Italy, you think of food." Hailing from Italy, Giulia, a fall semester exchange student at Guanghua School of Management shared, "The biggest challenge was choosing a theme." From the initial vision of a pizza station to a dilemma between the Italian 16th-century theatrical performance "La Commedia Italiana" and Italian literature master Dante's "Divina Commedia", the Italian team consulted the Italian Embassy and finally settled on "Marco Polo" as he connected Italy and China through his travels. "Instead of visitors just learning very specific information, I'd be happier if what they take away is the desire to know and experience more of Italy and the world in general, and the willingness to pursue that independently."

Participants trying out Italian coffee

On the topic of food, let's continue onto the next stop: World Gourmet Plaza!

World Gourmet Plaza
The North Hall of Khoo Teck Puat Gymnasium transformed into a vibrant hub of global flavors and festive energy as the World Gourmet Plaza came alive alongside the Culture Carnival. The area buzzed with excitement as hundreds gathered to taste the world on their plates and explored cultures through every delicious bite.

Attendees at the World Gourmet Plaza

Megan Huang, an MBA student from the United States and head of the American booth, shared that "American cuisine is incredibly diverse, with classic dishes like hamburgers, hot dogs, and apple pie. For our booth, we decided to serve pizza, which, while originally Italian, has become a beloved part of American food culture. I’d definitely recommend starting with a classic pepperoni and cheese pizza for the perfect American flavor."

Pizza is served at the USA food booth

The vibrant array of flavors showcased the rich diversity of PKU students, uplifting the spirits of both festival-goers and volunteers. The food fair at ICF 2024 was more than just a celebration of food; it was a unifying event that brought together students from various backgrounds, offering a feast of delicacies that delighted the senses and fostered a sense of camaraderie.

Performances
A series of captivating and vibrant performances were put on by the international students, delighting the audience with their lively music and dance. 

Representing the Kyrgyzstan dance team, Nurzat, an undergraduate student from the School of International Studies, shared, "Our performance, titled 'The Fire Dance,' represents an ancient tradition in Kyrgyz culture. It embodies the spirit, resilience, and strength of our people, symbolizing the warmth, energy, and power that fire represents in our culture."

The performance of 'The Fire Dance'

Beyond an expression of cultural identity, Nurzat hoped that this piece they had been rehearsing for weeks would be "an opportunity for cultural exchange and help people see the beauty and strength within our traditions". 

Melissa Goh, a Singaporean freshman from the School of Journalism and Communication, sang along with her team members to a medley of Xinyao classics, a contemporary Mandarin vocal genre that is unique to Singapore, and Singapore's National Day song "One Singapore". On the choice of repertoire, she shared, "We chose these songs as they not only have beautiful melodies, but they also showcase Singaporeans’ patriotic feelings and attachment to their homeland."


Embedded within the performance is an original rap that introduces the characteristics of Singapore, including the unique way Singaporeans order drinks in coffee shops. Reflecting on the performance, Melissa voiced her hopes that it will "showcase the diversity in culture and languages in Singapore, giving the audience a glimpse of a typical Singaporean lifestyle". 

As the day unfolded, attendees were treated to colorful costumes, traditional music, and performances that captured the essence of cultures from around the world. Laughter and applause filled the air as people mingled, exchanged stories, and bonded over shared experiences. 


From spontaneous flash-mob dances to racuous crowd cheering, the merry-making and joyful interactions at ICF was an indubitable testimony to the grind of the ICF family. The vibrant decorations, bustling food stalls, and lively music created an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie. It all culminated in a grand finale, with people from all backgrounds joining hands, singing and dancing together, a true celebration of unity and the vibrant spirit of the ICF family. As the lights dimmed and the echoes of music faded, the spirit of ICF lingered, a testament to the joy of diversity and the power of unity, carrying forward the enduring spirit of the ICF family until the next gathering. The event concluded with heartfelt cheers and promises to reunite, marking a true celebration of unity and the enduring spirit of the ICF family.

Flash-mob

Reported and written by: Akaash Babar, Lee Jie Xin
Edited by: Rachel Lee, Aden Tan
Photos by: Lee Jie Xin, Akaash Babar, Wu Jiayun, Pralhad Gupta, Nurzat, Katherine, PKU Official Wechat (Chinese), ICF Photography Team