International Festival at Carrollwood Day School has been a tradition for a very long time. What started out as Hispanic Heritage Day has blossomed into a day to honor countries from around the globe. From the Early Childhood Campus through the Upper School, our students spend time learning about different countries. When International Festival Day comes around in October every year, the students become experts in the traditions, food, and cultures of different countries. International Festival also shines a light on our school's multiculturalism as parents and grandparents display treasured artifacts from their family's heritage and culture. These colorful and diverse items transform the Elementary Multi-Purpose Room into a vibrant world showcase. 

Every year the elementary school classrooms are decorated with the symbols, colors, and traditional artwork of the country they have chosen to study and represent. Music fills the hallways and CDS uniforms are traded for customary apparel. There is food and excitement as students tour other countries, as well as show their families all the work they have done to best represent their country.

The day continues with our Parade of Nations presentation. Middle school students from the MS honor societies, Patriot Ambassadors, and student government parade the flags of 66 nations through the theatre as each country is announced. This is followed by performances by each elementary grade that include songs native to the countries, musicians playing instruments, and even traditional dances. The culmination of the beautiful program has become another cherished tradition as the entire 5th grade performs "Fifty, Nifty, United States" with students holding up posters created to represent each of the 50 United States.

And the day does not end there. There is a carnival with indigenous games, face and nail painting, food, and of course performances from our littlest Patriots from the ECC. 

With so many amazing traditions at CDS, this one is truly special. It is representative of our school and the International Baccalaureate ideals we strive to uphold.