Multicultural Festival returns to Marietta College

by Isaiah Mitchell

Marietta, OH (01/31/2025) — After months of planning, one of the most celebrated events - Marietta College's Multicultural Festival - is just around the corner.

The festival will take place on Saturday, February 8, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in The Gathering Place, which is located on Seventh Street across from Tim Horton's.

"The committee has been hard at work since March of 2024," said Connor Reed '26, a member of the Multicultural Club and the festival's planning committee. "Our main goal is to highlight and celebrate the diversity at Marietta College and in the surrounding community. It's all about bringing people together to enjoy great food, exciting performances, and a chance to experience different cultures in a way that's fun and engaging for everyone."

The Multicultural Festival brings students together to proudly serve their culture's cuisine with participant, said committee member Riley Hayes '27.

"This year, we're excited to welcome a diverse lineup of performers from across Ohio, including several dynamic dance groups," Hayes said. "It is a vibrant celebration of diversity, unity, and the rich traditions that make our community so special."

The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature traditional international cuisine, including dumplings from China, homemade guacamole from Mexico, and even Kvass from the frigid plains of Russia. Guests can also enjoy live music and dance, and celebrate ancient traditions through captivating performances, including favorites like the martial arts demonstrations, or even the mysterious mask-changing dance.

Tony Mayle, the College's Director for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, when asked why someone should attend said, "Attend for an opportunity to experience various cultures through food and entertainment. Historically, food has been one of those differences that bring us all together, and you can find this unity here at the Multicultural Festival."

The Multicultural serves as a celebration of diversity, and for international students, this means more than words can express.

Hinata Sotsuda '25, shared a heartwarming testimony of her experience as an international student.

"If I had told my past self-three years ago that I would be studying in the United States now, I would have never believed it," Sotsuda said. "I love this life I found at Marietta College. I get to share it with wonderful friends and professors, and regardless of whether you are interested in travelling abroad or not, I believe nobody can be sure what kind of unexpected adventures might reveal themselves. When I first arrived in the U.S., I realized my perspective was completely shaped by my own culture and values since I was born and raised in Japan. I believe strongly that learning about other cultures provides not only an opportunity to gain knowledge of other cultures but also insights into how people were raised and how their perspectives are shaped by varying cultures."

Raffle tickets will also be sold for a chance to win a variety of prizes.

"The Multicultural Festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience and learn about different cultures through food and performances," said Nagisa Harada '25, who has emceed the event for two out of her four years at Marietta. "As one of the biggest cultural events hosted by Marietta College, we proudly welcome everyone, including students, faculty, staff, their families, and community members. The festival is open to all and is free, so anyone can join in and celebrate together. I've had the honor of being a part of the organizing committee for the past three years, and this will be my last festival as a member since I'm graduating this semester. I hope that this wonderful event will continue to be cherished for years to come."

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