Celebrate cultural diversity with over 1,000 other participants at the Festival of Nations on Saturday from noon until 5 p.m. in the Driscoll Ballroom and a possible second stage outside on the lawn, weather permitting.

The Festival of Nations is the largest student-organized event at DU.

It was first established in 1964 at the University of Denver as a gathering for American and International students, led by the international Student Organization.

The gathering then turned into a banquet, with different nationalities represented with booths.

Now the event is a “gathering of students and community members to promote different cultures through booths, food, arts/crafts and entertainment,” said ISO President Amanda Quandt.

Festival of Nations is run by undergraduates for the undergraduates. This year the theme is “Celebrate Cultural Diversity” with guest speaker Senate President Stacy Porto, making it the first year for an undergraduate student to be the guest speaker.

Some of the events include, but are not limited to, Brazilian martial arts, Indian fashion show, Middle East dancing, karate, Tai Chi, Scottish bagpipes and Native Armenian dancing.

The ISO helps incoming national students with making the transition from their home country into the United States.

“ISO is a group of domestic and international students who want to promote multiculturalism on the DU campus. The prime focus is to provide diversity and cultural awareness,” said Quandt.

“The International Student Organization is important to the DU community because it enables them to experience new and different cultures and people, it enlightens them and positively affects our community,” said Quandt.

Zain Al-Thawadi, secretary of ISO, added, “I never imagined that I’d have a friend from Peru. It just proves that no matter where you’re from, you can get along with different people.”

Currently there are about 45 students involved in ISO. Quandt is running the festival with the help of nine ISO committee chairs that include Annique Petit, Briana Smith, Julian Thomas, Erika Ituassu, Stella Lee, Zain Al-Thawadi, Anna Smith, Melissa Farris and Dacia Dyer.

Last year there were more than 100 volunteers and about 1,000 visitors, including Chancellor Daniel L. Ritchie. Quandt hopes that there will be more volunteers and participants this year.

Those interested in volunteering can contact Quandt at aquandt@du.edu. Those signed-up to volunteer should check-in at the ISO booth and their assignment will be given.