The Parade of Nations made its big return to CWU after years of inactivity. The event showcased the many cultures of CWU students from all over the world through a “beautiful” display of song, dance and fashion.

Ralph Ramier, a senior law and justice major, performed at the event as part of an appreciation for Philipino culture at CWU. “It was amazing,” Ramier said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to represent my culture outside of just a FASA event. I really love the way that they put this together, it got everyone together.”

Performances at the event spanned almost every continent with students proudly showcasing their cultures and clubs in displays of traditional and modern fashion and performance. Students represented countries ranging from Nepal to India, Mexico to Peru and many other countries as well.

Another performer, Judas the Beslayer, spoke on what performing at the event was like and just how important it was for the CWU community. “I love performing here. The audiences are always so energetic and so fun, and I feel so much love every time I perform here,” Judas said. “The world we live in is so unsure and rocky and there’s so much hatred that events like this just spread so much love and joy and educate people on so many different cultures. I didn’t know about a lot of the stuff [performed] and so it was really cool to see, along with performing and sharing the magic of drag with everyone else.”

The event was hosted by the Diversity and Equity Center (DEC), an organization at CWU responsible for lots of the events that happen at CWU every year.

Mal Stewman, director of the DEC, spoke on the importance of the event as well. “It’s important to celebrate culture. These are people that are all here in our community, so it’s important to have representation, and just have some fun and celebrate all the differences in our cultures and our community,” Stewman said.

The crowd was electric during the event, with many standing and cheering after each performance. Many students who attended the event, which was hosted this past Sunday, shared that they hope it will return in years to come.

“It’s really been a privilege to be able to do this for my last year,” Ramier said. “I really want my underclassmen to be able to keep on doing this.”

Stewman agreed with the students, stating that he would love to see this event happening “every year.”