The International Studies Program at Central Connecticut State University hosted the first event of the Global Festival at the Italian Resource Center in the Elihu Burritt Library on Tuesday, April 7.

Students will be stopping at various cultural centers and international spaces on campus as part of an ongoing festival.

The event will include global exhibits across Central celebrating cultures and languages from around the globe from April 16-20.

Kicking off in collaboration with the Italian Resource Center, “L’oretta del caffè,” meaning coffee hour, was the first event, closely tying those passionate about Italian American traditions.

Jessica Rutherford and Paul Petterson, associate professor of Spanish and professor of political science, created the first Global Festival, looking to grow cultural engagement with students.

“The goal is to celebrate Central’s excellence in international education by showcasing the great work of our students, staff and faculty at the university,” Rutherford said.

With it being the inaugural year of the festival, Rutherford said that it is events like these that allow students to experience international cultures firsthand.

“This kind of engagement moves learning beyond textbooks and helps students understand how cultures influence traditions, communication and perspectives around the world,” Rutherford said.

The Global Festival will end with its closing ceremony, held at the Constitution Room in Memorial Hall on Thursday, April 30.