Ridley International Cultural Festival 2026

By Mansour Eldessouky ‘27, Staff Writer; Edited by Isla Poustie ‘26, Staff Editor

Hello Tigers! Friday turned our school into a lively worldwide celebration when students, staff, and parents gathered for the International Cultural Festival. Inside, unique flags burst around every corner, music pulsed through the air, yet it was the smell of cooking dishes that truly pulled you in. You could taste cultures from across the globe while staying right on familiar ground. The whole place hummed with movement.

One thing shone clear right away: the food stole the show. From Mexico came sweet treats, think street staples that hit hard with flavour. Italy stepped up with delicious sandwiches and meat slices, Pakistani and Nigerian choices drew people in with their deep spicy rice, warming the air around them. Matcha from Japan, Korea's delicious BBQ, and not to mention their sushi rolls, brought long, steady lines. German, Ukrainian, and Russian corners added gingerbread, pretzels, and borsch, while the island notes floated through from the Turks and Caicos stands. Canadian presence tied it together with some familiar hamburgers, a nod to our local cooking. The whole mix somehow felt faraway yet strangely familiar.

From the start, sounds shaped how things felt. Indian music filled the air, paired with magical dancing. Meanwhile, tunes from Slovenia slipped in with something different, catching ears by surprise, matched by an adorable dance performance. All morning and afternoon, these layers mixed into a steady hum that made staying feel natural. The whole place stayed bright.

Something about the air at the International Cultural Festival felt different. Proud students passed bowls of family recipes while laughter bounced between stalls, tying strangers into something closer. As sunlight faded, bellies were heavier, shoulders less stiff, faces lit by stories from eager patriots sharing facts of their home nations. Identity showed up not in speeches but in spice, rhythm, and shared glances across crowded tables. And with that, the long-anticipated International Cultural Festival came to an end with everyone excited for next year!