Freedom High’s Best Multicultural Festival Yet
Freedom High School’s Multicultural Festival has been a beloved tradition for years, bringing students, families, and staff together to celebrate the rich diversity of the school community. While the past two festivals had been enjoyable, they had their fair share of challenges—limited food options, rushed performances, and a slightly disorganized flow. But this year, the event, held on a lively Friday evening, was the best it had ever been.
From 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the school cafeteria transformed into a global food court, overflowing with delicious aromas and flavors from all over the world. Unlike previous years, where some tables ran out of food too quickly or options felt repetitive, this time there was a much wider variety. Long lines formed at tables serving fragrant biryani, sizzling carne asada, and delicate sushi rolls. A dedicated dessert section was a major improvement, offering treats like rich baklava, fluffy tres leches cake, and sweet mochi ice cream. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as students and families bonded over their favorite dishes, sharing stories about their cultures.
As the clock struck 7:00 p.m., the crowd made their way to the auditorium for the showcase, an hour-and-a-half-long display of cultural pride through dance and music. Compared to the last two years, the performances were more polished and diverse. The show opened with a powerful Taiko drumming performance, the beats reverberating through the packed auditorium. A group of students performed a mesmerizing traditional Chinese fan dance, their movements fluid and precise.
Unlike previous years, where some acts felt last-minute or underrepresented, this time the lineup truly reflected Freedom High’s diversity. Dancers in embroidered skirts delivered a high-energy Mexican folklórico routine, while Polynesian hula dancers swayed gracefully under soft lighting. A K-pop dance group—significantly improved from their debut two years ago—delivered a sharp, energetic performance that had the audience cheering. One of the highlights was a breathtaking Bollywood fusion number, blending classical Indian dance with modern styles, a perfect representation of tradition meeting contemporary influence.
As the final act—a fusion dance blending hip-hop with traditional cultural styles—came to a close, the audience erupted into applause. At 8:30 p.m., as people began to exit the auditorium, the feeling in the air was undeniable: this had been the best Multicultural Festival yet. While past years had been fun, this year’s improvements—better organization, a more expansive food selection, and a showcase that truly honored different cultures—set a new standard. Students and families left with full stomachs, happy hearts, and an even greater appreciation for the diversity that made Freedom High School so special.
