At the 40th-annual Eve of Nations, students shared different aspects of their culture in a celebratory, multi-stage show.

The International Advisory Committee hosted the event, in which 17 international student organizations showcased dances and songs from their respective homelands.

This year’s Eve of Nations, themed “Celebrate: 40 Years of Cultural Diversity,” also offered a special dinner featuring cuisine from Peru, Vietnam, Eastern Europe, Angola and Nigeria.

The International Advisory Committee, an umbrella organization encompassing 27 international student organizations, prepares for the event all year, coordinating between all of its student groups.

Mimo Adenuga, organization president, said this year’s Eve of Nations was the best celebration yet.

“It is a celebration of the hard work and great ideas that our members have put into making this year successful,” Adenuga said.

An international fashion show preceded the dances and featured clothing from around the globe, representing Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America.

“The typical dress in the fashion show is really cool,” said Lorris Miglioretti, University College freshman.

The music selection ranged from traditional Japanese herring-fisher songs and Vietnamese anthems to K’naan, Lady Gaga and the Black Eyed Peas. A solo performer from the Caribbean Student Association also played Bob Marley’s “One Love” on the steel pan.

Before the final acts and awards ceremony presentation, the committee showed a video reflection in honor of the 40th anniversary of the event. Former UOSA President Kenah Nyanat, from Malaysia, and 2010 UOSA presidential candidate Franz Zenteno, from Peru, were among the group of alumni and students featured in the video.

Miglioretti said he was glad to attend the event and learn about all of the different cultures.

“It helps show how we’re all together even though we’re different,” Miglioretti said.