When Thompson Rivers University’s International Days began, the celebration was just a one-day event.

Now, 20 years later, the showcase of cultures and customs from around the globe is a five-day affair complete with food, art, guest speakers and a multimedia showcase.

Lukas Maikapar, associate director of international marketing for TRU World, said International Days has become popular for a variety of reasons.

For one, TRU has a large international community that wants to share its diverse cultures with people, said Maikapar. As a result, Kamloops residents are interested in learning more about the visiting students and where they come from.

“It just grew from there,” he said Friday.

To celebrate, TRU has lined up a variety of activities and events, most of which are free to the public.

International Days begin Monday. At 6 p.m. Canadian bestselling author, filmmaker and adventurer Colin Angus will speak at the Grand Hall about his experiences.

Angus is the first person to circle the world exclusively by human power, an effort that’s earned him the National Geographic Adventurer of the Year award.

“I think he’s going to draw a huge crowd,” said Maikapar.

He said there will be a multimedia showcase of international initiatives presented on Student Street in the Old Main Building from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. all week.

And world-renowned local artist Trisha Sellmer curates the Games that People Play. Maikapar said the exhibit in the TRU Gallery looks at traditional games from around the world.

For a full list of activities and more information visit www.tru.ca/internationaldays.