The 20th edition of the CEU Intercultural Festival (ICF), co-organized by the Student Union and the Student Engagement Office, was held on Saturday, January 18, at Expedithalle. The event was a resounding success, attracting one of the largest audiences ever and was a vibrant reflection of CEU’s global community. The festival offered attendees the chance to experience a rich blend of international cuisines, cultural performances, and a sense of unity that embodies the university’s international spirit.
A Global Representation and Cultural Showcase
The festival featured 22 regions of the world, presenting a mouthwatering selection of dishes from across the globe. From Iranian Fesenjān to Nigerian Jollof rice, Mexican tacos to Vietnamese spring rolls, Turkish baklava to Georgian Khachapuri, and Ukrainian borscht to Hungarian paprikás, the variety of authentic cuisines was a major highlight. One of the most cherished aspects was the opportunity for teams to cook together at the Community Kitchen, creating a collaborative, multicultural atmosphere. You can check out some of the recipes here. The cultural performances were another standout feature, with over 24 countries represented and students expressing pride in sharing their heritage. Check out all the photos here.
Record Attendance & Increased Faculty and Staff Participation
This year’s festival saw record-breaking attendance, with over 500 people joining in the celebration. The event’s success can be attributed to the increased involvement of faculty, staff, and alumni, alongside the passionate participation of students. More than 40 CEU alumni registered for the event, with many others joining as guests. Their involvement deepened the connection between the university’s past and present communities. The event also had a family-friendly vibe, with students and employees bringing their families, including children, who were excited to learn about and engage with the diversity of cultures on display.
Memorable Moments
Among the festivals’ memorable moments was a heartwarming display of unity, as CEU security, catering staff, students, and employees danced together to the global beats provided by DJ Joe. The lively music kept the crowd energized and added to the joyous atmosphere. Another highlight was the debut of a registered table where faculty and students collaborated in cooking and presenting their dishes together.
Looking Ahead: Future Involvement and Feedback
The ICF Committee made notable efforts this year to organize a more sustainable event, laying the foundation for ECO Event certification next year.
Following the success of the 20th CEU ICF, excitement is already building for next year, with several students expressing interest in joining the ICF Committee. We encourage everyone to share their thoughts and suggestions through the feedback form linked here. If you would like to join the ICF Committee for the next year, please send your interest to icf@ceu.edu.
We are extremely proud of the achievements of this year’s festival and would like to thank all the volunteers and participants who made this event a success and look forward to an even greater celebration in future editions of the Intercultural Festival!
