Greenwich's Julian Curtiss School Celebrates Diversity With Annual Parade Of Nations

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich's Julian Curtiss School celebrated its 34th annual Parade of Nations last Thursday, marking United Nations Day and the 77th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights with the theme "Equality, Freedom, and Justice for All."

The event, held outside the school on East Elm Street, capped a weeklong celebration of cultural diversity and global awareness. Students and families later gathered for an international food tasting featuring dishes and music from countries including Japan, the Dominican Republic, Israel, Ukraine and Italy.

The central Greenwich public school represents at least 53 countries and 30 languages, according to the school district. During the parade, students dressed in traditional clothing from their families’ homelands and carried flags symbolizing their heritage.

This year’s program included a solo Marinera dance, a traditional Peruvian performance by fourth grader Thiago Molla and fifth grader Ava Santos-Perez, and remarks by fifth graders Rui Fukuchi and Brenda Mengali De Andrade.

Yazmin Elizabeth Moreno Martin, mother of fifth grader Miguel Angel Montiel Moreno, also spoke, sharing her experience of moving from another country to the United States and settling in Greenwich.

Students performed songs including "Hello to All the Children of the World" and "Give Us Hope," with all grades joining to sing "JC is The Place To Be" to close the event.

"United Nations Day reminds us that our school is more than just a building—it is a global community where children learn to appreciate and respect one another’s heritage," Principal Eduardo Calderón said in a news release. "With families from 53 nations, we are teaching the next generation that our differences unite us rather than divide us. This small school in Greenwich carries a big message of hope and harmony for the world."

The celebration concluded with the school’s traditional International food tasting, where families shared homemade dishes.

"There is something magical about breaking bread together," Calderón added. "Our International Food Tasting brings our Julian Curtiss family together in the most authentic way—through the flavors and traditions of home. These shared meals spark meaningful conversations about heritage and culture, deepening our appreciation for one another and the world around us."