Students raise flags at the end of the International Week Flag Parade on Tuesday, March 31, on Wilkins Plaza. (Katie Perschau/ Fourth Estate)

Students paraded around campus with flags and cultural attire

BY KATIE PERSCHAU, CULTURE EDITOR

Mason students participated in a parade around campus on Tuesday, March 31, to celebrate the wide range of cultures that are represented at the university for the 45th annual International Week celebration. Students represented their countries with flags flown throughout the festivities. 

The parade began on the SUB I quad, moving northeast to Merten Hall before looping back through campus to end on Wilkins Plaza. Paraders played lively songs and paused around campus for pictures and cheers.

They also passed through the Johnson Center, where flags hang from the balconies each year for the celebration. 

Flags hang from the balconies of the Johnson Center on Tuesday, March 31, to celebrate International Week at Mason. (Katie Perschau/ Fourth Estate)

Over 30 countries from five continents were represented in the parade, including China, Iran, Cambodia, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Slovakia. 

“I’m representing Nigeria because … I just think it’s kind of fun to represent and also to learn about other people’s cultures,” Morolake Okanlawon, a first year PhD student at Mason, said. “I used to do this in my undergrad, we had something similar. So now being in grad school, I was like ‘Oh yeah, this is one of the fun parts of being in school, to come together and feel like you’re a part of the world.’” 

Students representing Latin American countries pose for a photo after the flag ceremony on Tuesday, March 31. (Katie Perschau / Fourth Estate)

At the end of the parade, students representing each country were invited on a stage outside the Johnson Center for recognition. Many participants wore traditional clothing from their cultures.

The parade and flag ceremony were followed by a festival that included snacks, giveaways, activities and prizes.  

International Week is an important tradition at Mason that brings together students from different backgrounds for a week of colorful cultural expression.

The annual celebration comes at a time when international undergraduate and graduate student populations are decreasing partly due to concerns about visa applications and travel restrictions. 

Other activities for the week include the International Dance Competition, Photo Competition and sports tournaments.