The popular annual Saint Stephen’s International Food Festival, which was a total success last year, is just around the corner.The festival will return to its original venue in the Upper School Palm Courtyard on Thursday, January 30th, from 3:00 to 4:30 PM.
All students, families, and staff are invited to attend.
Organizers Gamze Abuhan and Joey Leyva have been planning this event for months. The purpose is to celebrate cultural diversity and community through food.
“Saint Stephen’s has a strong international presence that many people may not be aware of,” Leyva said. “This event gives everyone the opportunity to discover and share different cultures through food, sparking interest among kids and families and creating lasting memories through the unique flavors of each country.”
Abuhan added thatthe International Food Festival connects people from all over the world, describing the traditionas “a bridge made out of food.”
“It is important to celebrate diversity through cuisine because it is a universal language.”
Each year, as a part of “International Month” at SSES, the festivalcontinues to improve, thanks to increased participation. This year, families will represent countries including the USA, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Germany, Norway, Italy, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Russia, England, New Zealand, Morocco, Turkey, Afghanistan, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and India.
Abuhan said this year the atmosphere will be even more electric, with aband that will add a culturally immersive aspect.
There will also be eight new countries participating, a photo booth where attendees can take pictures, and a space for dancing.
According to Mrs. Leyva, getting involved in the International Food Festival is a lot of fun for those families that want to participate and share cuisine from their heritage.. For her, it was the food festival that encouraged her to engage more in school life.
Through the festival, she has met many wonderful, dedicated parents, which has been the highlight for her.
Growing in popularity each year the International Festival in becoming a favorite Saint Stephen’s tradition with the next one coming this Thursday.
