Celebrate WorldFest 2013

Make plans now to join the University of Cincinnati during WorldFest 2013, a showcase of multicultural events all across campus from March 1-10.

Highlights include a formal

WorldFest Opening Ceremony on Monday, March 4, in Tangeman University Center’s Great Hall from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The official kickoff ceremony will feature free food, entertainment and an international fashion show. Last year’s gathering drew more than 400 people, and organizers expect this year’s to exceed those numbers.

Of particular note in terms of programming this year is the shift away from having the popular International Festival on McMicken Commons

, a change that was necessary due to budget cuts and the need to schedule Worldfest earlier in the year to accommodate UC’s conversion to semesters.

Still, Worldfest includes about two-dozen different events — most of them hosted by international student organizations — and each is a unique opportunity to enjoy either a new culture, cuisine or both.

Worldfest Programming

• Friday March 1

Ushindi Celebration Cookout

- Sigma Sigma Commons, 5 to 7 p.m.

The African American Cultural and Resource Center celebrates students’ academic and leadership excellence through the Ushindi, which means “victory” in the Swahili language. The Ushindi Cookout will include plenty of food, music and lots of fun.

• Saturday March 2

Cricket Match -

Sigma Sigma Commons, 1 to 3 p.m.

The UC Cricket Club invites you to witness one of the most popular sports on the planet. Watch how UC cricket teams battle against each other in a tennis-ball cricket match that's sure to entertain.

• Sunday March 3

Ethnic Dance Festival

- College of Medicine's Kresge Auditorium, 2 to 5 p.m.

The Ethnic Dance Festival, sponsored by the Society for Appreciation of Bharatiya Heritage and Arts (SABHA), showcases talents of dance teachers and their students in and around Cincinnati. Watch these students exhibit some of the famous dance forms of India.

Taste of India

- TUC Great Hall, 3 to 6 p.m.

Taste of India is a showcase of Indian culture, music, dance, handcrafted items and, most important, special cuisine. This free event is hosted by the Association for India’s Development (AID) University of Cincinnati Chapter, as it has been every year since 2003 as a part of Worldfest. In the past, UC’s Taste of India has drawn more than 1,000 people. Cultural performances will include Bhangra, Giddha and Rajasthani folk dances, plus Bollywood dance medleys and Hindustani and Carnati musical performances. Booths will be on display showcasing decorative artwork such as Rangoli and Henna. Also on display will be Indian hand-crafted items and information related to tourism in India.

Indian Film Screening

- TUC MainStreet Cinema, 6 to 9 p.m.

Come and join SABHA for the screening of “Stars on Earth,” a feel-good Bollywood movie about a student struggling to perform in school.

• Monday March 4

WorldFest Fusion

- MarketPointe (Siddall Hall Dining), 12 to 2 p.m.

Join Student Dining Services, Student Wellness and Campus Recreation Center and enjoy a variety of cultures and flavors from around the world. The cost for food is $8.79 but free if you have a meal plan.

Peace Conference

- 100 Walters Hall at UC Blue Ash (UCBA), 12 to 1:30 p.m.

UC Blue Ash behavioral science professor Grace Auyang and history professor Jonas Rus will host a discussion about science, technology and the impact on world peace with guest speaker Richard Harknett from political science.

WorldFest Opening Ceremony

- TUC Great Hall, 4 to 6 p.m.

Join us as we fly around the globe for the official Worldfest week kickoff. This popular event includes free international food, entertainment and fashion.

• Tuesday March 5

Tacos on Tuesday

- 555 Steger Student Life Center, 12 to 2 p.m.

Latinos en Accion and Ethnic Programs and Services present Tacos on Tuesday for students to meet and network with one another, key administrators and faculty. This event is designed to unite and educate students of diverse backgrounds to the rich and vibrant delicacies of Hispanic culture.

Focus on Muslim Culture

(The Ten Greatest Misconceptions About Muslims) - Muntz Hall Lobby at UCBA, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

UC Blue Ash is hosting a presentation about Islam that will include cultural cuisine and music along with a hijab demonstration and an accessories sale.

• Wednesday March 6

Journey For Justice

- Muntz Hall Lobby at UCBA, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

This showing will include displays about human rights and social justice issues.

Job Search Strategies for International Students

- 417 & 419 TUC, 12 to 2 p.m.

The Career Development Center is hosting a workshop for international students featuring international relations attorneys and UC graduates Maria Schneider and Chris Musillo. The alums will discuss visa types, what is needed to work in the United States as an international student and how to overcome challenges of job searching. There will be time for interaction after the presentation, plus a free lunch.

IsraelPalooza

- TUC Atrium, 12 to 2 p.m.

Cincinnati Hillel is teaming up with Bearcats for Israel to host IsraelPalooza. Come experience Israel through the food and culture of the four main regions of Israel: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the mystical north and the salty Dead Sea of the Negev Desert in the south. They will have multiple stations with information and activities to learn about and be a part of Israel. Plus, visitors can grab free giveaways before they leave their journey of the Holy Land.

• Thursday March 7

WorldQuest

- TUC Great Hall, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Join a table or create your own six to eight-member team to compete in this internationally focused trivia game. It’s challenging and loads of fun. Prepare for the game by brushing up on anything and everything international. Win prizes and bragging rights for being the “Best in the Quest.” Contact Nicole Jenkins (nicole.jenkins@uc.edu) to take part.

Reading Across Cultures

- Muntz Hall Lobby at UCBA, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

UC Blue Ash is sponsoring selected readings from prose and poetry of diverse authors and in diverse languages along with a cultural quiz, prizes and desserts.

Passport Day

- Edwards Building One, 3rd Floor, 1 to 4:30 p.m.

Apply for a U.S. passport as part of UC International’s Passport Day. This is a convenient way for first-time applicants to apply for a passport so they can travel the world. Passport officials will be here to process your passport, and the passport photos will be free of charge, although other charges apply. Passports are required for all international travel and take six to eight weeks to process. You must schedule an appointment at global@uc.edu or 513-556-4278 and bring all the required documents to get your passport processed. Your next adventure starts with UC International Programs.

International Tasting

- Catskeller, 6 p.m.

Hosted by Cavalier, Ohio Valley and Premium beer experts, this event features beer from around the world paired with appetizers. Tickets will be available in advance at Catskeller and also the day of the event, but seating is limited to the first 50. Must be 21 or over with a valid state or Military ID to participate. Cost for the tasting is $10.

Modern Day Slavery

- Lindner Athletics Center 450, 6 to 8 p.m.

Did slavery really end in 1865? The answer, sadly, is no. Modern day slavery is an epidemic that forces people into the barbaric and cruel conditions that many think ended almost 150 years ago. For two years, photographer Lisa Kristine traveled the world documenting the harsh realities of modern day slavery. This exhibit, sponsored by Resident Education and Development, will feature Lisa Kristine’s work on the inhumanity faced by the victims of modern day slavery as well as video of a TED Talk given by the artist.

• Friday March 8

KickstART Hurricane Relief

- Campus Recreation Center (CRC) Breezeway, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Stop by to support the American Red Cross International Services fundraising efforts and paint repurposed materials. Painted items will be used by the American Red Cross for ongoing Hurricane Sandy international relief efforts.

UC Blue Ash Finale

- Muntz Hall Lobby at UCBA, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Drop by to enjoy free food, a band and some indoor fun.

American Red Cross International Services

- CRC 3210, 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Learn about the American Red Cross and volunteer opportunities through this interactive and educational event designed to share the efforts taking place down the street, across the country or on the other side of the world.

Friday Night Live (FNL) Olympics

- CRC, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The Student Wellness Center is sponsoring this free night of fun that will include all sorts of games and activities from around the globe. Come and win some great prizes, and remember to bring your swimsuit and student ID.

• Saturday March 9

Jammin’ for a Cause

- Sigma Sigma Commons, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Those who come will have the opportunity to listen to relaxing vibrations by DJs while enjoying some good Caribbean food, games and many types of music including Reggae, African and hip-hop.

• Sunday March 10

Diversity Games

- African American Cultural and Resource Center, 12 to 3 p.m.

The AACRC’s Diversity Games is a new event designed to make racial learning interactive, fun and competitive. Based on the hit TV show, “The Amazing Race,” this event will be a way for students to interact with one another, learn about the different racial organizations that UC has to offer and learn about different cultures. The Games will involve 30 stations around campus, and teams of two will have to follow clues and pass both mental and physical challenges to find the next location. The dancers from UC Dhadak will perform in the closing ceremony to kick off the rewards time, and both members of the winning Diversity Games team will receive a Nook e-reader.

 
Vaisakhi 2013

- TUC Great Hall, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Come celebrate Vaisakhi for the first time at UC and enjoy free Indian food, cultural performances a DJ and dancing. The Vaisakhi harvest celebration marks the start of the new beginning and recognizes the Sikh religious faith. This festival also has many traditional dances, such as Bhangra and Gidda to celebrate this event.

Check out images, video and more from Worldfest 2012