School is back in session. With many students returning to Michigan Technological University’s campus, the community will soon welcome international students to their new home. The Parade of Nations helps kick off the start of each school year by connecting people across cultures in the copper country’s communities.
Games have a way of connecting people. Children’s games especially have a universal quality that reaches across cultures. While this year’s logo depicts the fun game duck duck goose, there are many versions and similar games found around the world.
But for example, in Latin America, where I’m from, is called la Gallinita Ciega, the blind hen. And that involves everybody moving at the same time. There is not a circle. The blind hen is obviously blindfolded and must look, not look, but must chase one of the other hens. And then the next person becomes the blind hen. In the UK and Australia, it’s called what time is it, Mr. Wolf. So, the wolf is walking around. And the other kids are teasing the wolf and asking what time it is. And when the wolf says, it’s dinner time, then the wolves start running, trying to get another person to become the wolf. – Mariana Nakashima, Co-Chair, Parade of Nations
The department of international programs and services is a center of activity and knowledge for international students. Executive director Christian Montesinos says the celebration serves a dual purpose. Welcoming the international student body to campus and connects students with the local community.
It’s a moment for the community in general to get to know the international students, really have that face-to-face interaction with all the international students that we house here at Michigan tech. It is also wonderful for the community to be able to see the driving forces that connect all of us. And that is that we all engage with food and music and dance and really express who we are. And I think that is the great unifier of the parade. We have so many people that come out. We usually have about 3,000 people that come out. – Christian Montesinos, Director, MTU International Programs and Services
Two years ago, the parade of nations shifted the route to begin on campus. Travel down College Avenue and through downtown Houghton, before ending at the dee stadium. Parade co-chair Mariana Nakashima adds it’s wonderful to see many flags waving and the community in attendance.
I think it’s wonderful to see how many student organizations are even outside their fraternities and sororities cheering for these students, enjoying it, but also to see the local kids ready to pick up amazing amount of candy that we’re going to have and give to everybody. – Mariana Nakashima, Co-Chair, parade of nations
The Michigan technological university parade of nations has gathered in the copper country to celebrate international cultures coming together in the small region for more than forty years. In 2025 the campus will act as a second home for more than 1,000 students from 57 different countries. The parade of nations will begin at 11am on September 20th. Learn more about the event, and ways to get involved such as volunteering, online.
