The 63rd annual World Unity Fair hosted by Colorado State University International Programs kicked off in the Lory Student Center Nov. 5, 2016, and its energy was unrivaled.
With booths showcasing more than 20 culture and nationality groups and attended by around 3,000 people, the fair was a chance for students and the community to come together from any culture and identity and enjoy the diverse and rich traditions of other nations.
The event began at 3 p.m. with a Youth World Tour, and progressed into an International Bazaar, various booths showcasing different cultures and wrapped up with a World Talent Show, where groups in attendance had a chance to perform traditional dances and music.
The Bazaar featured gifts and trinkets to be bought from around the globe, while the culture booths showcased groups’ languages, traditions and clothing, while members were excited to engage with anyone who was interested.
The Organization of the Indonesian Students in the United States was in attendance at the World Unity Fair this year. Their booth featured multiple Indonesian art pieces and instruments, like the Angklung pictured here. Photo credit: Brooke Buchan
Hosts of the event, Associated Students of Colorado State Univeristy, Council of International Student Affairs, Fort Collins International Center, and Office of International Programs announced winners of the best cultural performance and booth at the end of the night. Photo credit: Brooke Buchan
Before LASSO’s dance performance, singers soulfully performed traditional Latin American songs, and had the entire audience clapping along. Photo credit: Brooke Buchan
The Latin American Students and Scholars Association performed a traditional dance in flowing white dresses and colorful flowers titled RaÃces Latinas, which translates to “Latin roots” at the 2017 CSU World Unity Fair. (Brooke Buchan | Collegian)
The Indian Student Association’s performance included classical forms of the expressive Bharatanatyam, and Kathak, which derives from storytellers and is characterized by narration through out the dance. Photo credit: Brooke Buchan
The scene in the Lory Theater before the performances took place was threaded with excitement, joy and pride. The various groups in attendance applauded and hollered as each performance took the stage, clapped along to the music, and multiple times broke into chants supporting the organizations they were a part of.
Those who were invited to attend and showcase their cultures were honored to be part of the progressive and long-lived annual event at CSU. There was nothing but smiles to go around and knowledge and diversity to be shared.
For more information on the World Unity Fair at CSU and its sponsors, please visit their website or their Facebook page.
