Eagerly waiting at UniSquare, Block A for the parade, the air was filled with excitement as a long line of different and colourful flags came into view. The event began with a speech from the project managers, introducing the theme ‘Unity in Diversity’. The ceremony kicked off with the traditional ‘kompang', and students danced along to the beat, setting the energy of the event. Shortly after, students dressed in traditional attire descended the stairs, proudly waving their flags and representing their respective countries.

Setting foot into the canopy at Block A’s Amphitheatre, you would think that you were stepping onto the world map. Booths of various countries were beautifully set up, allowing attendees to hop from one country to another in just a few steps. Jordan greeted visitors with fun facts on the Dead Sea - one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world where floating is effortless, and Petra - one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Moving on, Kenya shared stories about its famous "Big Five" safari animals: the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo. Students were trying traditional Kashmiri attire for photos, while Maldives awarded seashells from its beaches to game winners. Seashell necklaces and handcrafted candles made by students were also on sale.

Exploring further, Seychelles showcased its stunning beaches and the legendary Coco de Mer, while Mauritius highlighted its extinct Dodo bird and unique underwater waterfall. A burst of music marked the beginning of a traditional Mauritian Sega dance, drawing a crowd of enthusiastic dancers.

Day 2 saw the booths packed with eager attendees. Egypt attracted a large crowd, with everyone singing along to Arabic tunes and dancing together. At Saudi Arabia’s booth, visitors were treated to authentic coffee, and many posed for photos in traditional attire. You could also enjoy hot tea from Yemen, Kashmir, and Kenya, each offering a unique and delightful taste experience. The air was filled with a sense of camaraderie, enhanced by the aromatic bakhoor-a traditional gesture of hospitality in Arabian culture, where perfumed wood chips are passed among guests.

Sudan offered sweet treats such as ‘basboosa’ (made of semolina, yoghurt and syrup) and ‘kahk’ (sugar-coated tea biscuits). New Zealand invited attendees to take part in the fun tradition of "doing the shoey” which is a way of celebrating happiness. Students were hence served lemonade in a tiny shoe at the count of three. Zimbabwean students contributed another artistic touch to the event by doing white face painting, which is a traditional symbol of joy in their culture.

On the final day, the energy was at its peak. Egypt once again had everyone gathered, singing and dancing. Yemen treated visitors with honeycomb bread and Adeni Chai (tea). Students tested their skills with the Japanese Kendama toy, while China displayed traditional Lianpu (Chinese opera masks) and beautiful hairpins. Myanmar demonstrated the use of Thanaka (a natural beauty product) by applying it to visitors' faces. Indonesia hosted a Batik painting workshop, offering a hands-on cultural experience. South Korea presented traditional games such as Ddak-ji and Hol-jjak (odd or even) which were all present in the popular 2021 show called ‘Squid Game’.

Each day at 4 pm, students gathered at Speaker’s Corner for performances. Music played, requests were made, and students took turns singing into the mic. The 4 pm - 5 pm gathering was the most awaited, where students would circle around and dance together. It was never about the language barrier but rather about dancing to the rhythm of togetherness.

The event concluded with an award ceremony on the third day, acknowledging the passion, devotion and endeavour of the representatives in portraying their countries in the most beautiful way. The winners were as follows:

CNS Category:

Student Exhibition:

Special Categories:

A couple of attendees and participants even shared their thoughts on just how joyous and insightful the event was:

"This event is designed primarily for international students at Taylor’s University. With students from all over the world, it’s surprising how little we know about each other. The theme ‘Unity in Diversity’ reflects our goal of bringing people together to celebrate and learn from our diverse backgrounds." – Rayan, Project Manager from Sudan

"Seychelles is relatively unknown, so we saw this as a great opportunity to showcase our culture and educate others about our island. Representing our country means a lot to us." – Nathaniella

"Today, we're excited to focus on our culinary delights, especially ‘alouda,’- a refreshing drink made with milk, syrup, chia seeds, and jelly. We’re also showcasing our savoury crepes, a favourite treat during teatime. At the same time, anyone visiting will get to experience our local Mauritian tea, a true taste of home!”- Chetana Munbodh

“Many Arab countries can trace a significant part of their heritage, through their tribes, back to Yemen. I feel very proud of this origin. Additionally, Yemen has made unique contributions to the world, such as the famous 'mocha' coffee, named after the port city of Mokha, and Yemeni Sidr honey, which is considered as one of the finest in the world.” - Ghufran

"Even without understanding the songs, students sang and danced together, showing how events like this foster unity. I noticed how proud representatives were to introduce their countries, highlighting both the uniqueness and the similarities between cultures." - Swafaa

The "Around the World" event truly embodied the theme of "Unity in Diversity," showcasing how differences can inspire and unite us. The event encapsulated the sense of pride and belonging that each student feels for their homeland.  It fostered mutual respect and tolerance towards each other. With its rich multicultural community, Taylor’s University gave students a platform to celebrate their heritage. Representing one’s homeland is a source of deep pride, a sentiment that shone brightly through the vibrant and creative booths.