Parade of Nations/Dancers

The Parade of Nations and dance presentations are highlights of the festival and occur on the main stage/arena floor. They are simultaneously filmed and appear on the large arena screens, and the audience sits in arena seating surrounding the stage 360 degrees. The seating is generally full of hundreds of eager Festival goers, and the general format is a morning set that begins about 10am and an afternoon set beginning about 1pm, with an emcee introducing acts. Dance performers can also participate in the Parade of Nations, which typically occurs around 2pm and culminates with the entire parade lined up on stage in a vibrant display of dress and culture. Note that an expected performance schedule will be published, but specific times are not assigned due to the fluid nature of the performances/day.  

Please note that UNC Charlotte is committed to having as many countries as possible represented during the International Festival. Therefore, if multiple groups request to represent the same country, they will be connected with each other and encouraged to find ways to collaborate, or the first group signed up will get priority.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the Parade of Nations and dance performances. All ages, members of the UNC Charlotte community, Mecklenburg community and beyond are able to participate. We just ask that no commercial or political groups sign up so that we can maintain the spirit of the festival for celebrating and educating all. 

Parade of Nations

Just like the opening ceremony of the Olympics, the Parade of Nations is a showcase of traditional dress from around the world. This is a fun and easy way for groups to participate in the International Festival. Open to youth and adults, you do not have to have a booth, but have to be dressed in traditional garb. Groups will march in alphabetical order, do a lap of the arena floor and then stand on the stage as the parade progresses. There are typically 20-30 countries/ cultures participating. 

Each country may have a maximum of six (6) participants walking in the parade and each must be wearing their country’s traditional clothing. The group organizer will be given a sign with the country name to carry at the head of the country procession, identifying the group to the audience, so please be sure to sign up in advance. Out of respect for all cultures and viewers and as a show of unity, flags are prohibited to be used in the Parade of Nations. All groups need to show up 20 minutes before the parade to be arranged in order and receive their sign. 

Dance Performance

Be a part of the highlight of the festival by showing off your culture’s traditional dance by signing up to do a dance performance. Festival goers revel at the talent shown every year in our two dance sets, so join the fun and show off your culture in this grand way. 

Performances can be up to five (5) minutes in length for groups and three and a half (3.5) minutes for an individual performer. All performance groups/individuals are asked to submit their music with their registration or send it to our team a week before their performance. Out of respect for all cultures and viewers and as a show of unity, flags are prohibited to be used in dance performance.