Organized by the School of Chinese Studies and Exchange at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), the 12th SISU International Carnival took place at the university’s Hongkou Campus on October 30. The event drew more than 1,000 students, faculty members, and alumni and featured teams from 18 countries.

The carnival opened with a hip-hop performance by members of the student dance club. The two hosts, one from China and the other from Thailand, then delivered welcome remarks. Flag bearers from the 18 teams entered the venue in their respective national costumes. The final two to enter were the president of the International Student Union of SISU, carrying the union’s flag, and an international student representative carrying the university flag.

International students from around the world presented a diverse program of cultural performances. A group of international students performed Shanghai-style yangge, while Egyptian students gave a performance inspired by ancient Egyptian culture. Students from Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Ukraine, and other countries performed traditional dances from their respective cultures.

Other acts included a Chinese bamboo flute solo, a short theatrical performance by Russian students depicting aspects of everyday life in Russia, an upbeat dance performance by Japanese students, a live band performance by Iranian students, and a Cambodian fashion show. Malaysian students also took the stage for a vocal performance, while French students staged an interactive theater piece that invited audience participation. Kazakh students played the dombra and kobyz in an ensemble, and Sudanese students gave a presentation on Al-Jertiq, a traditional Sudanese ritual. Mongolian students sang a song. The performances were warmly received by the audience.

The cultural booths gave visitors an opportunity to explore traditions from around the world. Visitors could sample French crêpes and Korean rice cakes, as well as try Thai milk tea. Cultural displays introduced visitors to Egyptian hieroglyphs, Chinese calligraphy, Sudanese textiles, and Ukrainian embroidered shirts known as vyshyvankas.

Visitors could also participate in interactive activities, including Vietnamese bamboo dancing, a Kazakh knucklebone game, and the Chinese pitch-pot game. At the Malaysian booth, visitors could learn a few words in Malay and receive a snack pack in return.

Booth decorations and displays reflected different cultural traditions. These included a Russian-style home setting, Kyrgyz ornaments, Mongolian khadags, Iranian carpets, traditional Japanese toys, and photographs of Mount Ararat displayed at the Armenian booth.

The event also received support from the Quyang Road Subdistrict Office, Shanghai Foreign Language School Affiliated to SISU, and Dongjing Foreign Language Experimental School of Songjiang District in Shanghai. Volunteers from the International Student Union of SISU assisted with event logistics.

The performances, cultural displays, and interactive activities brought traditions from around the world to the SISU campus, giving visitors opportunities to learn about different cultures and experience some of their traditions firsthand. As one of SISU’s best-known cross-cultural events, the carnival continues to serve as a platform for cultural exchange, fostering mutual understanding and enriching campus life.

 Source: Study at SISU