Carpe Diem, Southeast Missouri State Universitys annual festival highlighting students from diverse cultures coming together to celebrate their heritage and their differences, is scheduled for 5-9 p.m. Oct. 27 in the East Gym of the Student Recreation Center.

Carpe Diem is an event that allows international and multicultural students to showcase their culture through traditional dances, clothing, music, food and educational exchange, said Tiffany Comfort, coordinator of leadership and involvement for Campus Life and Event Services.

The free evening will feature different cultural booths hosted by more than 10 student groups. Student representatives will provide sweets, beverages and activities for guests that will further an understanding of various countries and cultures.

Chartwells Dining and Catering will be working with select student cooks to prepare cuisine from around the world for guests to sample, Comfort said. Henna artists will also be set up to give interested guests intricate, temporary hand tattoos.

The celebration will also feature musical performances, dances and a fashion show to entertain guests.

In addition to the student-led entertainment, the evening will showcase professional music and dance performances. Southeast alumnus Chris Stephens will perform music on various lutes from India, China and the Middle East.

The headlining act will be an African dance and drum group based out of St. Louis called Afriky Lolo, Comfort said. By the end of the event, everyone will be on the dance floor, dancing to world music!

Carpe Diem is an annual event originally organized by the Office of Residence Life in 2010. The Office of International Education and Services held the event in 2017. This years event has been designed and implemented by Campus Life and Event Services.

For more information, contact Campus Life and Event Services at (573) 651-2280.