The festival began with a host of musical and artistic performances. Students listened to the middle school band play "Around the World in 80 Measures" under the direction of director Cathi Leibinger. Outside dance troupes performed the tango, the national dance of Argentina, and the Brazilian Capoeira, and student leaders Maya Bhandari '28, Ria Bhandari '28, Misha Gowda '28 and Maxie Wu '28 shared a presentation on Asian American/Pacific Islander History Month. RE faculty member Drew Cardinale talked about the significance and history of capoeira, a blend of martial arts and dance from Brazil.

Austin Gomez '28 served as emcee, introducing fellow students and the professional performers, and encouraging his peers. "Today, we’re celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that make our school community so vibrant," Gomez said. "Our festival is about more than just food and dancing. It’s about truly experiencing and celebrating the difference between us that make us stronger, more connected and more understanding of one another."

The event was organized by middle school faculty members Karina Buhler and Vanessa Lopez with the support of Director of Inclusion and Community Engagement Wendell Graham '74.

The countries/cultures represented: Brazil, Chile, Haiti, Nicaragua, Germany, Cuba, Israel/Judaism, India, Argentina, Mexico, Ukraine, France, China, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Nigeria, Canada, Australia, Venezuela, Colombia, Armenia, Uruguay, Lebanon, the U.S.A.

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