What is Central’s Cultural Heritage Festival?

This special event celebrates global cultures through taste, sight, sound, and hands-on experiences, helping our children explore cultural differences while discovering what we all share in common.

Families are invited to represent a country of their choice by planning simple food samples, activities, and cultural artifacts or decorations. All country displays will come together in the Hauser Gym, creating a vibrant world-tour experience for our school community.

¿Qué es un Festival Cultural?

Este evento especial celebra las culturas del mundo a través del gusto, la vista, el oído y experiencias interactivas, ayudando a nuestros hijos a explorar las diferencias culturales y a descubrir lo que todos tenemos en común.

Se invita a las familias a representar un país de su elección preparando sencillas muestras de comida, actividades y objetos o decoraciones culturales. Todas las representaciones de los países se reunirán en el gimnasio Hauser, creando una vibrante experiencia de viaje alrededor del mundo para toda la comunidad escolar.

Each presenting family is invited to create a display highlighting a country of their choice.  We will provide a 6 foot table and the country’s flag, which will be displayed at the front of the table.

Suggestions for cultural heritage displays:

• A simple combination of images and text highlighting the country’s language, culture, or religions.
• Include cultural artifacts such as art, musical instruments, clothing, tools, literature, and books.
• Kid-friendly bites of food and drinks that reflect the country’s culture

Presenting families are invited and encouraged to wear traditional costumes or clothing inspired by the country they are representing!

Cultural Heritage Festival: Thursday, March 12

• 5:30 PM – Setup in the Hauser Gymnasium
• 6:00 PM – Cultural Heritage Festival Begins

Se pide a cada familia participante que cree una presentación que destaque un país de su elección. Proporcionaremos una mesa y la bandera del país, que se exhibirá en la parte frontal de la mesa.

Sugerencias para las presentaciones sobre patrimonio cultural:

• Una combinación sencilla de imágenes y texto que destaque el idioma, la cultura o las religiones del país.
• Traigan objetos culturales como arte, instrumentos musicales, ropa, herramientas, literatura y libros.
• Comida y bebidas aptas para niños que reflejen la cultura del país.

¡Se invita y anima a las familias participantes a vestir trajes tradicionales o ropa inspirada en el país que representan!

Festival de Patrimonio Cultural: Jueves, 12 de Marzo

• 17:30 – Montaje en el gimnasio Hauser
• 18:00 – Comienza el Festival de Patrimonio Cultural

Indian Dance – Bollywood & Culture Groove
Get ready for high-energy fun! Learn a few moves and join in as we celebrate rhythm, storytelling, and joyful movement from across India.

Irish Step Dance – Cross Keys School of Irish Dance
Experience the quick rhythms and dynamic footwork of Irish step dance, featuring Central’s own, Violet King.

Mexican Ballet Folklórico – Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago
Be amazed by an an exceptional folkloric dance performance featuring traditional dances from across Mexico, highlighted by vibrant regional costumes and lively music.

Scottish Bagpiping – Chicalba Bagpiping
Enjoy the bold, unmistakable sound of traditional Scottish bagpipes, a proud symbol of Scotland’s musical heritage.

Contacts

Have fun, be creative, and contact your Cultural Heritage Festival Committee (or email Central PTO) if you have any questions!

• Kendra Curry-Khanna
• Renee Coover

Cultures Represented  – 2026

• Greece – Represented by the Robb Family
• Havana Nights – Represented by the Pokraka and Bacik Families
• India – Represented by the Khanna Family
  
• Ireland – Represented by the King Family
• Italy – Represented by the Blackwell Family
• Jordan – Represented by the Alfawwaz Family
• Lithuania – Represented by the Bursua and Koncius Families
• Luxembourg – Represented by the Bates Family
• Mexico – Represented by the Madrigal Family
• Norway – Represented by the Johnson Family
• Poland – Represented by the Filipkowski Family
• Vietnam – Represented by the Rawsky Family

More coming soon!

Is your family interested in representing your culture?  Sign up here!