A Celebration of Culture, Learning, and Unity: Nations Festival Marks Its 44th Edition

School of the Nations’ most cherished tradition brings together over 1,700 community members to honor global diversity through art, music, and cuisine

On May 10, the School of the Nations hosted the 44th edition of its most anticipated event of the year, the Nations Festival. A true embodiment of the school's mission and values, the Festival brought together students, families, staff, and alumni for a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and international learning.

As a cornerstone of the academic year and one of the school’s most enduring traditions, the Festival offers students a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate the richness of global cultures since its inception more than four decades ago.

Each class, from Nursery 2 to Grade 12, selects a country to study over the course of the year. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students delve into the geography, history, language, arts, music, and culinary heritage of their chosen country. This yearlong learning journey culminates in a day of celebration, where students present their findings in engaging and creative ways.

This year, the school celebrated the cultures of 16 countries, brought to life by students across all grade levels. Early Childhood classes, from Nursery 2 to Grade 1, explored and represented Chile, Rwanda, the United States, Japan, and Portugal. In Elementary School, students from Grades 2 to 5 delved into the cultures of Thailand, Bangladesh, India, and Australia. Meanwhile, Middle and High School students, from Grades 6 to 12, took on Luxembourg, Scotland, Malaysia, Mongolia, Greece, South Africa, and Brazil. The event featured colorful exhibitions, engaging performances, and detailed displays—each one a testament to the students’ research, creativity, and hard work throughout the semester.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

But the learning extended far beyond the classroom. To gain a deeper and more authentic understanding of their chosen countries, students participated in immersive Embassy Field Trips organized by the school. These visits offered them the chance to experience different cultures firsthand, engage with diplomats, and better understand the everyday life of the people they were studying. This year, students visited the embassies of Thailand, Portugal, Australia, Japan, and Malaysia—transforming classroom research into meaningful, real-world encounters that brought their projects to life.

These rich experiences were shared with the broader school community during the Festival, not only through the educational exhibits and performances but also through a flavorful journey across continents. Families and guests were invited to sample traditional dishes from each of the 16 countries, carefully prepared and served as part of the cultural showcase. The culinary offerings added another layer of immersion, celebrating the diversity of tastes, aromas, and traditions that define each culture.

More than a celebration, the Nations Festival is a living expression of the School of the Nations’ mission to nurture global citizens. It embodies the values of unity in diversity, cultural appreciation, and service through learning. Year after year, the event strengthens the bonds within the school community while inspiring a deeper understanding of the world beyond our borders.