Highlighting our Middle School students, the event was a vibrant celebration of unity and diversity across Spanish-speaking cultures
On Tuesday, October 22, we celebrated Día de la Hispanidad with our annual Encuentro de dos Mundos event. Known internationally as Hispanic Day, this occasion marks the historic arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas in 1492. At our school, it is celebrated as a cultural event organized by the Spanish Department, highlighting the shared heritage and rich diversity of the Spanish-speaking world.
This year's event featured active participation from our Middle School students, who immersed themselves in Spanish traditions and history throughout the semester. The culmination of their studies was showcased in various forms, including song presentations, traditional Spanish games, and poem recitations. The schedule also featured a professional flamenco performance by the dance studio Capricho Espanhol, adding an authentic touch to the celebration.
In preparation for the event, students across all grades took their classroom learning beyond the textbooks, decorating the Middle School corridors with symbols of Spanish-speaking cultures. Figures such as Mafalda and El Chavo, as well as themes like Día de los Muertos, adorned classroom doors, transforming the school into a lively tapestry of Hispanic cultural icons. In addition, students got to experience traditional dishes from various Spanish-speaking countries taking part in cooking classes, offering a taste of the culinary heritage that spans the globe.
A special highlight of the event was the participation of two Grade 6 students, Sofia Djedjeian and Pedro Martins, who recited poems by renowned Spanish poets. Born in Argentina, Sofia and Pedro shared their experiences at the event.
For Sofia, learning about Spanish culture and language from a young age is an advantage.
"I like that the school gives us the opportunity to study Spanish as a third or fourth language from an early age. Practicing the language not only in the classroom but also in events like this is really interesting. It’s an opportunity to open our eyes to the culture and customs of Hispanic countries. By reading my poem, I learned more about Chilean culture and history, a country I wasn’t very familiar with but now know a lot about. I’m very happy to have been highlighted and proud of myself for reciting the poem."
Pedro, on the other hand, reveals that his favorite part of the event was being able to connect with his own culture, as a student from the international community at Nations. In his words, he says:
"I enjoy learning about other cultures and customs, so events like this are very interesting. The Encuentro de dos Mundos was an event where I felt connected because we learned about and presented aspects of my own culture and Spanish culture. I learned more about the history of the arrival of the Spanish in other countries and colonization."
Encuentro de dos Mundos is an opportunity for our students to deepen their understanding and appreciation of global cultures. This celebration serves as a reflection of our school’s values—unity, diversity, and the importance of global citizenship—through a meaningful and engaging academic experience.
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