JEDDAH: Color, pageantry and entertainment marked the annual “International Day” at the American International School of Jeddah (AISJ) this week.

The day saw various programs like consulate passport stamping activity where children had the opportunity to pick the passport and visit each country’s booth to learn about them, world bazaar that was divided into Asia, Africa, America and Middle East represented each nation’s special traditions and customs, food stalls with sumptuous cuisine from various countries, followed by scintillating performances by the students.

“Our annual International Day is not only the biggest event of the year in terms of attendance, it is also a chance for us to celebrate our diversity, a trait we feel is unique to AISJ, with 51 different nationalities represented,” said Monti Hallberg, superintendent of the school.

“This festival was all about sharing food, music, art and the native dress. It was an occasion for students, parents, faculty and staff to become part of an evening that brought forth the rich cultural diversity of the sustainable campus.

The aim of the festival was to make visitors learn from our school how everyone lives in harmony and peace,” he added.

Traditional attire, stalls decked in rich colors and the cuisine reflected the diverse ambience of the campus. Students presented a unique picture of socio-cultural values and unity in diversity through their mind-boggling performances.

More than 2,000 people enjoyed an afternoon of food and dance from around the world.

Michele Light, principal of the elementary school, said, “The festival brought out the diversity, it was also an occasion for coming together to celebrate each other’s tradition. The 3rd grade students had an international day program celebrating peace, harmony and unity in the world, whereas the other students with 30 different nationalities took stage bearing their flags.”

Along with 22 consulates, many international schools like Turkish, Lebanon, Jordan and Philippines participated in the festival, the proceeds from which will go to the local charity.