The third annual Around the World Cultural Heritage Day at St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Dumfries April 12 showcased a variety of cultures represented through attire, food and traditions.
Students were encouraged to dress in cultural attire for the day and share a little about their family’s culture throughout their classes. Students walked into school greeted with cheering and a large poster illustrating flags from all over the world. During lunch, students marked on a map the country of their heritage, and many stood up to explain their traditional dress and its significance. Countries represented included Cameroon, Poland, Peru, Pakistan, Korea and many more.
After school, events continued in the cafeteria, where students, teachers, families, and the entire school community were invited to share in the festivities of one’s heritage. The celebration began with a decade of the rosary prayed in 10 different languages led by students. The event continued with foods from around the world, including those of the Philippines, El Salvador, Mexico and India. Many parents worked together to bring food and feed everyone who attended in a jovial conglomeration of cultures. Students performed traditional dancing and music.
Cultural heritage day served as an opportunity for students to learn about the different traditions, dress, and food of their classmates’ native countries and for students to share their pride in their heritage. The day was very successful and, as in past years, once again remembered as one of the most memorable and favorite days among many of the students and school community.
