ABILENE, Texas — For some international college students living in the United States, it might be challenging to find a space to celebrate their typical cultural traditions.
Every year since 1992, Abilene Christian University's International Students' Association (ISA) has hosted the Ethnos cultural showcase, with 2023 being no exception.
The annual performance will welcome record number of 18 groups to the stage this year with the theme titled Echoes.
Visitors can arrive at 7 p.m. Nov. 3-4 at the Boone Family Theatre, 795 Coliseum Way to watch university and community groups like Hoa Rahi, Ballet Folklorio del Big Country and Big Country Mariachi to name a few.
"A lot of the magic happens behind the scenes, during rehearsals and many late night practices," ACU ISA director Veronica Summers said. "This is where walls are broken down and relationships are built. This is where people grow to appreciate the different cultures they learn from but also realize that despite our differences, we can still come together to create something spectacular."
Typically, the planning process begins in the summer and takes an entire semester filled with meetings, auditions and reviews to put the show together.
As an organization, the ISA hosts additional events throughout the year including the International Food Festival, Spring Escape and Spring Banquet. It also offers a weekly group chapel to those who are interested.
Tickets for Ethnos are available now, with part of the proceeds supporting an Abilene nonprofit.
"Ethnos is one also one of ISA's biggest fundraisers which helps fund and support other international student events and needs throughout the year," Summers said. "By coming to the show, your support is twofold in that you are not only supporting the show but you are also supporting the international student community in a much larger way."
Go to webstoremain to purchase tickets now.
