West Hartford’s Wolcott Elementary School held CultureFest 2024 on Jan. 11, 2024.

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Wolcott Elementary School’s CultureFest 2024 drew a crowd of roughly 300 people – with families representing 33 different countries showing off their culture in different ways.

At the event, held the evening of Thursday, Jan. 11, attendees strolled among the cultural tables decorated with posters and artifacts, and had the opportunity to enjoy food and drink samples.

In preparation for the event, students voted on a name for the mascot on the poster designed by parent Mariko Hayashi. They chose the name “Mr. Mundo,” which means “world” in Spanish and Portuguese (two of the languages spoken at Wolcott). “People may think this is just a school event, but it helps to understand diversity. I appreciate being able to live in such a good community,” said Mariko.

Thanks to the leadership of parent Rinku Shrestha, the Nepali community at Wolcott was strongly represented by 12 Wolcott families and other Nepali families from the extended community. They not only sponsored a bustling Nepal table but also gifted the school with a performance entitled the “Nepal Runway” featuring the distinct styles of clothing worn by the different ethnic groups that live in Nepal.

Other student performers read poems or sang and danced to songs of their families’ home countries of Brazil, Cuba, and Guyana.

Event organizer Darci Melchor said, “It’s a very special night where the tables are turned and families get to teach our community about their culture. Students shine in a unique way. It’s an unforgettable learning experience.” She thanked Wolcott Principal Scott P. Dunn and the CultureFest team for months of support in preparing for the event.

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