International Cultural Festival 2025, Travel the World Without Leaving Berkeley
In Collaboration with International House Berkeley residents, Bay Area Consulates, and UC Berkeley Campus Organizations
Honoring the Legacy of The Edith Coliver Festival of Cultures
This event would not be possible without the commitment of one remarkable woman: I-House alumna, Edith Colver.
Born Edith Simon in Karlsruhe, Germany, Edith left for London with her family in1936 and moved to the United States, settling in San Francisco. She lived at I-House from 1940-43, and received her Bachelors degree from UC Berkeley summa cum laude, in international relations and languages. After serving as a translator for the U.S. Office of War Information in 1945, she returned to her native country of Germany to work as an interpreter and research analyst at the Nuremberg trials. She was the first woman to serve as a field office director for the Asia Foundation and the first woman to serve as vice president of the World Affairs Council of Northern California. She was also a member of the I-House Board of Directors, fluent in German, French, Spanish and conversant in Tagalog, Portuguese, and Mandarin.
Upon her passing in 2002, the Edith Coliver Fund was established to ensure her legacy of peace and understanding lived on under the dome. I-House is honored to celebrate Edith Coliver through the International Culture Festival and further our mission of intercultural respect to which Edith was so steadfastly committed.
Thank you for being a part of the International Cultural Festival! We hope you take advantage of all this day has to offer.
Dates: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 12-3PM
Location: International House at UC Berkeley
Event Description:
The annual International Culture Festival is a celebration of our diverse student community and an opportunity to share and learn about different cultures from around the world. This FREE event showcases the rich traditions of our residents from 20+ countries across six continents – a vibrant cultural celebration united under the dome! One of the highlights of ICF is the opportunity to dress up in cultural attire. This is a chance for you to showcase your own cultural heritage or to learn more about the unique traditions and customs of others.
Registration Details
Program
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM Cultural Performances at Chevron Auditorium
1:20 PM - 1:50 PM Taiko Performance at Heller Patio
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM Fashion Show at Chevron Auditorium
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM Raffles and Closing Ceremony
12 PM - 3 PM Cultural Booths with interactive activities at Great Hall and Chevron Auditorium
Interact with booths from 20+ countries across six continents, including:
- Europe: Austria, Canton of Geneva, Denmark, France, Greece/Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom
- Oceania: New Zealand
- Middle East: Jordan
- Asia: India Bombay East Indians/Luso-Indians, India Punjab, Japan, Philippines, South Korea
- Africa: Kenya, Rwanda
- Americas: Mexico, United States of America
Other booths:
- Berkeley International Office
- Berkeley Adult School
- International House Alumni
- International House Berkeley Resident Life and Intercultural Office
Plus many more cultural communities represented!
Important Notes
Wheelchair accessible. For disability-related accommodations, email rio@ihouseberkeley.org ten days in advance.
Photos may be used for promotional purposes. Contact Reisdent Life and Intercultural Development Office with questions at rio@ihouseberkeley.org
