Global Village Day

by George Zamora

SOCORRO, N.M., April 15, 2003 -- International students at New Mexico Tech will once again present a worldwide bazaar of their respective native costumes, cuisines, and crafts at "Global Village Day" on Saturday, April 26, from 2 till 5 p.m. in the Tech Gymnasium. Admission is free and open to the public.

"With global unrest and uncertainties what they are today, it seems more important than ever to learn more about each other and to celebrate both what makes us unique and what binds us together," says Karen Schlue, Tech's manager of international and exchange programs. New Mexico Tech has about 133 international students enrolled this semester, representing 42 different countries.

The various exhibits at Global Village Day will include samplings of flags, maps, brochures, and posters--as well as the always-popular food and refreshments--from the students' native countries. Displays will consist of handcrafted items such as woven rugs, leather goods, musical instruments, jewelry, and apparel. Some of the exhibitors also will offer recorded music and videotaped presentations throughout the afternoon.

As has become tradition at this annual multi-cultural festival, souvenir "passports" will be sold for 25 cents each at the door, allowing visitors to collect "visa" stamps from each of the countries represented at Global Village Day. In turn, participants who have filled their passports with visa stamps will become eligible for three drawings for various door prizes, held throughout the afternoon event.

"As for entertainment, we are fortunate this year to have belly dancers, Irish step dancers, and representatives of Baila! Baila! (a Mexican folklorico group) on our afternoon agenda," Schlue says.

Mark the afternoon of April 26 on your calendars now, and bring along the entire family to Global Village Day!