International Semmelweis Carnival returned after 3 years – better than ever before

After a two-year hiatus, the International Semmelweis Carnival was held again on March 24, 2022 at the Theoretical Block in Nagyvárad Square. As expected, this year’s celebration was again a truly high quality event for guests and students alike.

According to tradition, the opening speeches were delivered by the main patrons of the event: Rector Dr. Béla Merkely, Dr. Alán Alpár, Vice-Rector for International Studies, Director at the Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Bálint Tripolszky, President of the Students’ Union (HÖK) and Kata Kismarjai, President of the Instructor Volunteer Group (IÖCS). After the welcoming speeches, a number of international and Hungarian students showcased their talents in dance and music performances.

The opening ceremony ended with a symbolic toast and the Multicultural Food Festival (MFF) has started.

Thanks to the MFF, students from various countries presented their region’s typical dishes. To quote Dr. Alán Alpár’s words, „one was able to get as close with the culture of the given country as ten metres, and get to know it better.” Participants tasted classic dishes from Spain, Germany, Switzerland, India, Sweden, Japan and Slovakia. All dishes were prepared by students from the relevant countries, thus guaranteeing the authenticity of the food. We are grateful for their fantastic cuisine and for giving us a taste of their food and culture!

Student organisations welcome foreign students all year round, since the university has been offering foreign language courses for almost 40 years, and as a result, tens of thousands of international students from more than 90 countries are currently studying at the university.

The Students’ Union (HÖK) organises an increasing number of events specifically for international students, showcasing the tradition and culture of each nation. One such event is Oktoberfest. But there is also the International Semmelweis Carnival, organised by the Students’ Union and other student associations, especially the Instructor Volunteer Group (IÖCS) as well as the university’s international partner organisations, the Deutschsprachige Studentenvertretung Semmelweis (DSVS) and the International Semmelweis Student Association (ISSA). Both groups are particularly keen to encourage as many international students as possible to join their community.

As for the rest of the evening, participants conquered the dancefloor. The guest star was Dzsúdló, one of the most popular Hungarian musicians these days. Student DJs also contributed to the fine atmosphere of the evening; thanks to them, the carnival feeling lasted until dawn.

In the coming weeks, further fascinating activities await students. On 30 March, the 15th Semmelweis Spring Festival, a cultural event will take place in the NET’s main hall, where students will showcase their work. For those interested in big parties, Semmelweis All Star party on 31 March is the one not to be missed, while sports fans are warmly anticipated at Medic’s Cup, which takes place in Pécs from 8 until 10 April. Come along, and cheer on our teams together!