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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – Montevallo Elementary School was alive with color, culture and community on Monday, May 19 as students, faculty and families gathered for the school’s annual Multicultural Festival hosted by the English as a second language department.

The festival, now in its third year since returning post-pandemic, has become a tradition that highlights the diversity of Montevallo’s student body and broader community.

What began years ago as an International Food Festival has evolved into a celebration of global culture through food, music, dance and dress. The ESL department has been instrumental in reshaping the event into what it is today.

“We decided to bring it back and revamp it into the Multicultural Festival,” said Jennifer Rosado, an ESL teacher at Montevallo. “I hope students learn about different countries and cultures and grow to appreciate the beauty in our differences—and have fun in the process.”

Students and faculty dressed in traditional attire representing cultures from around the world, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the school. Performances included Hispanic dancers from St. Thomas, many of whom are current students, as well as returning guest Aastha Shastri, who led students in an energetic Indian dance. For the first time, the festival also featured Fuling Zeng, whose traditional Chinese dance captivated the audience.

The event also included an authentic meal shared among faculty and staff, prepared by parents of students in the ESL program. Dishes from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Cambodia were served, turning lunchtime into a culinary journey across continents.

“Parents provided the faculty and staff with a delicious lunch—it’s the best part of the day for teachers,” Rosado said.

The Multicultural Festival not only provides an enriching educational experience, but also reflects Montevallo Elementary’s core values.

“Montevallo is a diverse community,” Rosado said. “We want to highlight and celebrate our diversity because it’s one of our greatest strengths.”

As students and staff walked away with new knowledge, experiences and full stomachs, the festival left a lasting impression—one that celebrates unity through difference and fosters appreciation for cultures around the world.