Preview: Worldfest Opening Day, Monday, Mar. 26

Be part of Worldfest 2012!

Worldfest 2012 begins Monday, March 26, with the annual flag ceremony. More than 30 students from all walks of life have volunteered to carry flags from countries all over the world. The procession begins at the Student Center grand staircase and ends in Main Place. Omeyocan Aztec Fire Dancers from Milwaukee will lead the procession.

After the parade, UW-Parkside student Jayk Retasket sings the "Star Spangled Banner." Valeria Pugliese of the Parkside International Club, Professor Farida Khan, Senior Diversity Officer Ed Twyman, and Chancellor Debbie Ford will address attendees. Each of the flag carriers will come to the podium and say "hello" in their native language.

Of course, the flag ceremony is only one event in a week of activities put together by the Parkside International Club and Student Activities. Pugliese's speech will preview the rest of the programs, workshops, and movies.

"As an international student, it is very important to share part of my culture with other students and the community," Pugliese said.

The Omeyocan Aztec Fire Dance Company is led by brothers Roberto and Alejandro Franco. They started out dancing as children in Mexico City, and have since performed for President Barack Obama, the United Nations, and the Green Bay Packers. "Omeyocan" is an Aztec word translated as "the place where balance and duality exist," akin to the concept of yin yang.

A complete list and descriptions of Worldfest events is available on the UW-Parkside web site. Visit www.uwp.edu and click "More Events" on the Calendar for a daily list.

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ABOUT THIS STORY:

Story Status: Archived
Publish date: 3/23/2012

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