On Thursday, Nov. 7, the International Food Festival transformed John Brown University’s Simmons Great Hall into a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity. Organized by the Council for International Friendship, with sponsorship support from various JBU organizations and assistance from dedicated volunteers, the event showcased culinary traditions from 28 countries and two Indigenous groups, highlighting the unifying power of food, music and community. Attendees could purchase four tickets for $3, with each ticket redeemable for one sample of the diverse dishes offered.

Andrea Davila, an Integrated Marketing Communications junior from Guatemala and a CIF member, played a key role in organizing the festival and helped serve food at the Guatemalan booth.

“This festival is more than just sharing our food; it’s about showing who we are, our stories, and creating a connection. I loved seeing everyone come together to celebrate and learn from one another,” Davilla said.

The Guatemalan booth featured potato chicken dobladitas, which quickly became a crowd favorite, receiving enthusiastic praise for their authentic and flavorful taste.

The El Salvador booth, featuring empanadas prepared by Jaime Alonzo, a Computer Science sophomore from El Salvador, was another highlight.

“Cooking and serving empanadas felt like bringing a little piece of home to everyone here,” Alonzo said. “It was amazing to see people enjoy the food we made with so much care and pride.”

Venezuela took home first place in the festival competition with their delicious arepas, delighting attendees with their traditional preparation and taste. Mexico claimed second place with their pozole, a rich and flavorful hominy soup, while third place was awarded to the Cherokee Nation and Osage Nation for their venison chili, a dish that honored their heritage and captivated guests with its hearty and authentic flavor.

The festival, filled with cultural pride and passion, brought students together to share stories and traditions through food.

“Events like these show us that while we all come from different places, there’s a bond we can create here,” Davila said.

The 2024 International Food Festival exemplified the power of cultural exchange and connection at JBU through food, music and community spirit.

Photo Courtesy of Dr. Joe Walenciak