Judith Mohan

Pre-event pic of Yogita Mohan showcasing her dance.

Representing diversity and unique cultures in South Windsor High School, the Multicultural Fair was held on Monday, April 1st. The event aimed to showcase the diverse cultures and clubs represented by students in SWHS. 

Participating clubs include AHNH, IHAC, Indian Dance, Italian, Jewish American heritage, Ghanaian, Black and Latino Studies Presentation, Islamic Cultural, Japanese Cultural, Mexican Culture presentation, Black Student Alliance, French, Cricket and Hispanic heritage Clubs. 

This event promised to be a “feast for senses” featuring food samples, traditional attire, cultural performances and interactive exhibits of various cultures. It aimed to promote unity in diversity and help students appreciate and learn about different cultures. This event not only welcomes high school students, but also offers an invitation to everyone. 

Following the opening ceremony, a grand dance performance was held by members of the India Dance Club and IHAC (Indian Heritage Awareness Club). The performance featured classical and contemporary music from different Indian languages. 

“The dance was simply exquisite,” a guest told The Prowl. The surprising entry of SWHS counselor, Mrs. Brown Quinn was what shocked the audience and encouraged them to cheer loudly for the dancers. 

The Dance performance was followed by a mini interview held by Mrs. Brown-Quinn with leaders and representatives of cultural student clubs in SWHS. The interview was based on cultural representation in SWHS. The students’ answers were positive reinforcing that SWHS has proven to be supportive of many cultures.

The members of IHAC and Indian Dance Club expressed how all the months of practice and hard work had finally paid off.

“I love Indian music and movies. I watch them a lot; I learn a lot from them,” Mr. Ly, Advisor of Islamic, Indian Dance and French Club, told The Prowl. 

Even after the performances, people of different cultures performed and danced to different cultural songs as guests involved themselves in exploring different booths of different cultures.

“We wanted people of our culture to feel comfortable and incorporated in our school community,” co-founders and presidents of IHAC, Hiteshree Dirisala and Sudeeksha Sajjana told The Prowl

IHAC is also hosting a booth representing different holidays in Hinduism–a prominent religion in India. In addition, they are also hosting a table dedicated to Holi where students splash colors at paper T-Shirts. These booths had caught the attention of several guests due to the culturally representative posters and the artistic skills of students. 

The artistic efforts of the visitors in Holi craft were dominated by the Henna booth run by the Islamic Club. This booth consisted of students making handprints with henna. The henna booth not only represented the Islamic culture, but also many South Asian cultures, reflecting how cultures share certain traditions unknowingly.

The Islamic Club also consisted of a crochet booth where hand crocheted objects such as flowers, stuffed animals and bags were sold by the members. The booth also consisted of a presentation that portrayed the Islamic tradition and also offered dates–a favored dried fruit in several Islamic countries. 

The Japanese Club represented itself by hosting events. Their booth consisted of a presentation of Japanese culture and media such as its history, famous historical people and anime. The event also consisted of traditional Japanese origami and traditional Japanese Kitsune masks, hand painted by students of the club. There was a station where a student performed Japanese karate moves, and several people gathered around to see the student perform. 

“I hope this event would teach the public about Japan and its wonderfully rich culture,” advisor of Japanese Club, Mr. Mabasa, said.

The Black Student Alliance (BSA) Club combined events from previous fairs such as BSA fair and Hispanic Heritage fair in order to showcase fashion and hair in the Black culture, encompassing regions in Africa, the Caribbean.

“I hope that everyone would gain more knowledge and education about different cultures in our diverse school,” advisor of the BSA club in SWHS, Mrs. Davis, said.

The Cricket Club hosted a booth showcasing cricket’s history and how it is played. The booth also consisted of cricket bats and wickets. The club handed out flyers made by students regarding the club and membership.

A booth consisting of flavored popcorn gathered crowds all around the table. The popcorn was flavored with famous spices of different countries, some of which include Jamaican curry, Cajun seasoning from US Creole and Indian Garam Masala.

The Italian club also hosts three events in order for students to learn about Italian culture and customs that are unique to their traditions. These events include indoor games such as indoor bocce  and Italian food samples. The club also hosted a presentation about their culture. 

“Hopefully we will have more exposure, and people would see what we do and be interested in joining our club and culture,” advisor of the Italian Club, Mrs. Zacredelli, commented.

The Jewish-American Heritage Club founded by Abby Stricker aimed to promote Jewish culture and religion through traditional food and rituals like bringing in a menorah, Jewish snacks and a presentation of cultures through posters displayed at the fair.

“We have such a diverse community, and I wanted my culture to be a part of it as well,” founder and president of Jewish-American Heritage Club, Abby Stricker, explained.

Even after joining the fair at a later notice, the French club managed to pull up a successful presentation of their club by serving macarons and croissants that were adored by guests till the very end. The posters presented by them featured various cultural foods of France.

Other clubs such as the Hispanic Heritage Club, At Home New Home Club and Ghanian Club also showcased their cultures, each in a unique way. The Ghanaian Club hosted ​​​​Oware–a Ghanaian board game and shared some Ghanaian snacks.

The Hispanic Club showcased their colorfully vibrant culture through traditional Puerto Rican dresses and paper ​​​​Calaveras/Sugar Skulls on their altar dedicated to the Mexican ​​​​Day of the Dead  festival.

The At home New Home Club presented a poster regarding their club and handed out customized pens, customized pins and KitKats.

Even though some booths consisted of cultural snacks, sharing of cultural meals was only permitted after 7:20 pm due to Ramadan. The meals were culturally diverse but still maintained just the   right amount of spice level for everyone. 

“I think that it will be a good chance for others to learn about our club and the culture we’re celebrating, and we can also learn about other clubs and cultures,” 9th grader, Nailah Nsakala, said. She expresses respect for the school’s decision to serve food only after 7:00 pm in respect of Ramadan and emphasized the importance of exchanging cultural traditions and knowledge through this small movement. 

Some of the food included Japanese Onigiri, hamantaschen, Thai ​​​ ​Mango sticky rice and Chicken Biriyani. The excited guests didn’t seem to mind waiting in line for 20 minutes for food to be served , even as the fair almost came to an end. 

The guests were so engaged in the fair spirit that many stayed past 8pm, which was the official end.