Parade of Nations Marshall Doreen Blaker carries a sign with her name on it as she leads the procession from Michigan Tech University’s campus towards downtown Houghton during last year’s parade on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2024. (Gazette file photo)

HOUGHTON — The annual Parade of Nations is coming to downtown Houghton Saturday. Now in its 36th year, the parade is set to start at 11 a.m.

This year’s parade will feature Michigan Tech students from 57 countries as they make their way from the J. Robert Van Pelt and Ruanne Opie Library, down College and Shelden Ave. and then to Dee Stadium for the Multicultural Festival.

The parade is hosted by Michigan Tech, though is considered a community event. The Parade of Nations allows foreign students to showcase their cultures and share certain aspects of them such as traditional garb and music to other students and the broader community.

“I think every year we just have a new batch of students, and they’re so excited to really highlight their countries,” Director of International Programs and Services Christian Montesino said. “It’s one of the only times throughout the year that they really get that opportunity to showcase their country, their traditions and be out there very loud and proud.”

According to Montesino, some countries will be represented at the parade for the first time, including Chad, Mongolia, Uganda, Zambia and Sierra Leone. Some of these countries may only be represented by one or two students, but their participation adds to the numerous countries whose students traveled abroad to further their education at Michigan Tech. 

Five floats will accompany the students and their countries’ flags as they make their way to Dee Stadium for the Multicultural Festival. The festival will sell food prepared by students and include cultural demonstrations like music, dancing and activities such as Taekwondo. Other inclusions at the festival are university clubs and community booths from local businesses and restaurants, such as Sky Sushi.

“It’s really a community event. It’s sometimes the only time that the international students are sort of showcased to the community. It’s sometimes the only time that the community gets to see the international students that we have here at Michigan Tech,” Montesino said. “And of course, I think that we all connect through music and food and entertainment.

“Quite honestly, the food sells out every every single year. So, if you are just a foodie or just want to try something different, see something different, hear something different than it’s the event to be at for sure this weekend.”

A Michigan Tech student paints the face of a child during last year’s Parade of Nations on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2024. (Gazette file photo)