Fun Festivities Highlight 2025 International Bazaar

Instead of a typical April Sunday afternoon where students might enjoy the sun, catch up with friends or study on the Clayton University Center Front Lawn, last weekend was a bit different.

Those on the lawn on the afternoon of April 27 still could enjoy the sun, but also were treated to numerous dance groups, interactive booths, a fashion show and food from around the world, among other activities and performances as Lehigh held its annual International Bazaar.

In its 36th year, the International Bazaar, hosted by the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) and the student-led International Bazaar Board, has become the largest international celebration on campus, growing to include the involvement of more than 1,000 international students from 91 countries and more than 40 student cultural organizations on campus. The celebration of diversity, typically held annually on the third Sunday in April but moved a week later this year due to Easter, is open to the entire Lehigh community, including students, faculty, staff and families.

“This event started in the 1980s, when Lehigh's international population was small, as a way to recognize those students,” Patricia Goldman, assistant director of international student engagement, said. “Now, it's truly become a celebration of the 90-plus countries we have represented at Lehigh and the diverse cultures and perspectives we are lucky to have. Now more than ever, I love that this event is a space to say, ‘We see you and we value you.’”

The Lehigh Lion Dance Club, a cultural dance and music team celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year and its traditions, made its first appearance at the International Bazaar, kicking off the fun-filled afternoon.

While the sense of community and festivities are a major draw for the bazaar, many attendees are just as excited about the food available. Kuda Mundove, a Zimbabwean working to obtain his master’s of engineering in health systems engineering, noted that is an easy way to bring people together.

“One of the most common and powerful ways to share culture is through food,” Mundove said. “I overheard one participant say, ‘Wow, I didn't know that cottage cheese could be used in such a way,’ while referring to one of the most popular dishes of the day — the paneer curry from Biryani City, an Indian restaurant.”

Mundove said he heard another attendee tell friends they rarely ever stay the entire time at events, but they do at the International Bazaar.

“Not just because of the food, but because of the vibrant atmosphere created by the many club tables and the beautiful performances happening on stage,” Mundove said.

This year’s Bazaar brought a slight change to the way in which food was served. Guests were offered tickets, which could be traded in for samples, allowing them the opportunity to indulge in a variety of offerings.