International Day Recap

A longstanding Masterman tradition, International Day celebrates the unique cultures of the student body. Organized by Masterman’s Student Government Association (SGA), the event consists of workshops, a fashion show, and cultural performances. SGA President Candelaria Beatty notes the significance of the event: “International Day is so important because it’s an outlet for Masterman students to be enthusiastic and celebratory without being competitive. And it’s a window into the lives and identities of our peers, which you can’t get simply from working with them in the classroom or clubs.” This year the seventeen workshops covered countries from across five continents. Nate Kassahun, a current junior who ran the Ethiopia workshop, highlighted the pride he felt throughout the day: “My favorite part of International Day was teaching the groups how to dance. I used to dance the Eskista, [a traditional Ethiopian dance], at weddings and functions very often, so exposing it to my school community gave me a lot of joy and pride.” After the workshops, students took the stage for the fashion show and performances, which highlighted fashion, music, and dance. 

Voices is recapping all of the workshops from this year’s International Day:

HOLA

The Hispanic or Latino Association ran a wonderful workshop consisting of two presentations on Honduras and Mexico. During the presentations, food and drinks were passed out. Attendees were able to try an assortment of mango and chili candy, Mexican chips, Jarritos, and a delicious tres leches.

Italy

Italy's cultural presentation was accompanied by homemade Italian wedding soup and followed up with a spaghetti eating contest. Throughout the day the workshop kept track of the fastest eaters, who went on to compete for a twenty five dollar Olive Garden gift card at the afternoon assembly. 

African American Cultural Committee

The African American Cultural Committee hosted a Family Feud-style workshop. The categories included cookout foods, black musicians, black activists, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Contestants were informed about the lives and careers of Beyoncé, Angela Davis, Malcolm X, and more while enjoying cornbread, sweet potatoes, and iced tea. 

Canada

Attendees of the Canada workshop sure felt the Canadian hospitality. Throughout the presentation, there were numerous times when you could answer trivia for the possibility of winning a bagel (which was very good). The presentation covered the intricacies of the ethnic diversity of Canada. Afterwards, attendants were able to choose between a beaver tail and a Nanaimo bar, both of which were scrumptious.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia had an in-depth presentation highlighting Ethiopia’s unique calendar and Ethiopian Easter with a tongue-twister game and a lesson on language. They served Injera, Wot, and Ambasha and taught Eskista, a cultural dance. 

Philippines

During this workshop students viewed scenery of different islands in the Philippines including Mindanao, Luzon, and Palawan. The leaders explained the sport of sipa, a traditional native sport of the Philippines, and offered second servings of lumpia and pancit to the participant who could juggle the sipa ball the most. 

Romania

The Romania workshop discussed several key landmarks, such as Bran Castle, which Hotel Transylvania was inspired by. Viewers enjoyed watching cultural dances, listening to traditional Romanian music, and playing a variation of hopscotch. Zacusca, meatballs, and a tart were served buffet style at the end of the workshop.

French-Moroccan Culture

This delightful fusion workshop made its debut appearance. The presentation showed the deep influence that French and Moroccan cultures have on each other. Tea was passed out and Madeleine cookies and crêpes were rewarded for answering trivia questions.

Ukraine

Ukraine held an informative workshop, spelling out names and giving a glimpse into the current crisis of war, with an opportunity to donate. The workshop was highlighted by the authentic Varenyky, a dumpling filled with potatoes.

General South Asia 

General South Asia was a hotspot, with ample biryani and many visitors to match their supply. They added a unique spin with a Kahoot to see people's opinions on some South Asian pop culture icons. 

Indonesia 

Indonesia had a colorful cake called Bolu Kukus paired with enthralling games. Contestants had to scoop rocks with their mouths, eat a cracker with no hands, and drop a pen hanging from their waste into a bottle hole.

South Korea

South Korea had freshly cooked dumplings, Japchae, and refreshing drinks. The K-pop guessing game got competitive, with students easily recognizing their favorite groups, such as BTS and New Jeans.

Taiwan

Taiwan had a friendly competition of character writing coupled with amazing bubble tea. The main point the workshop left you with was that it was NOT China.

Albania

Albania had a jam-packed presentation, but the real show was the food and dance. The Byrek and Baklava fueled participants to participate in an enthralling traditional dance.

Russia

The Russian workshop focused on the unique architecture of several buildings in Russia, including the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg. The presentation was accompanied by traditional Russian candies, snacks, and herbal tea. Each group often got a unique experience, with lullabies, dances, and read-alouds. 

Sudan 

The leaders of the Sudan workshop shared pictures from their trips to the country and discussed Sudanese history, fashion, and food. Volunteers were able to try on traditional clothing. They had strong desserts with an addicting Hibiscus tea. 

Barbados and Jamaica 

This workshop highlighted the history and traditions of these Caribbean islands. The presentation was accompanied by curry chicken with rice and peas and followed by a Kahoot to test viewers' knowledge of the countries.