A Proud (and Delicious) Display of Heritages on Cultural Day

Groton School’s fourth annual Cultural Day, February 1, turned the Schoolhouse’s Sackett Forum into a colorful display of multiculturalism and a lively party, complete with dance, music, games, and food. Especially food.

Against a backdrop of flags representing the heritages within the Groton community, Cultural Day was both high-spirited and delicious. Students, faculty, and guests walked from table to table—and from country to country—sampling delicacies, served with pride.

Some of the offerings were familiar—Korean ramen, Vietnamese spring rolls, and Irish chocolates, for example—and some were not. Students chowed down on South Africa fried dough, known as amagwenya or vetkoek. They sampled chakli (spiral-shaped snacks made from rice or chickpea flour) and samosas from India, and feasted on stroopwaffels from the Netherlands.

The Peru table showed off causa (mashed potatoes and chicken seasoned with yellow pepper), ceviche (raw fish “cooked” in lemon juice and Peruvian spices), crema volteada (custard with berries), and Inca Kola. “I cooked the whole afternoon, but it was worth it,” said Spanish teacher Fanny Vera de Viacava.

The Dominican Republic table served up pernil (shredded pork) with white rice, red beans, and sweet plantains—a combination known as La Bandeja Dominicana, the Dominican Flag—courtesy of art teacher Melissa de Jesus. At the British table, students sipped ribena (a black currant drink) and squash (a fruit drink), while munching various varieties of crisps, or chips. Under the Mexican flag were traditional candies, seasoned veggies with lime juice, and hibiscus flower water. Other countries represented included Canada, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Haiti, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, and Nigeria.

Cultural Day also was a dance party—with numerous students stepping up to learn the Peruvian folkloric dance, La Marinera, taught by expert dancers and Spanish teachers Sra. Vera de Viacava and Luis Viacava. Several Groton students of Indian descent taught a traditional Bollywood dance, and for both dance classes, the floor was crowded with novices eager to learn.

“Groton Cultural Day exemplifies all that is best about our community: students and faculty showing pride in our rich diversity and working together to make the Schoolhouse come alive with music, food, dance, and light in the hoary midwinter," said Director of Diversity and Inclusion and English Department Head Sravani Sen-Das.

Groton Cultural Day was led by the International Community Advising Program, with help from the Student Activities Committee, Diversity and Inclusion Group, Art Department, and Global Education program.

See photos from Cultural Day.

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