International Night Brings 250+ People to Campus 

International Night was a literal passport to the vibrant cultures that make up the Winsor community. A true collaboration between the Student Equity Board, the Parents’ Association, and the Advancement Department, the event drew over 250 people to the Brock-Wilson Gymnasium. 

Rows of tables stretched across the gym with 19 countries represented. Winsor faculty, students, siblings, parents, and even grandparents came to campus to participate in the fun-filled event. 

Students were the driving force behind the evening and were invited to host tables representing their culture. Lower School students could partner with an adult while Upper School students could host a table on their own, but many chose to make it a family affair. 

Tables featured games, crafts, food, and fashion from around the world—Armenia, Austria, Brazil, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Greece, Haiti, India, Italy, Jamaica, Libya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Singapore, South Korea, Ukraine, and Venezuela. Attendees received a Winsor School passport and could get a stamp—in the shape of a wildcat paw print—for each table they visited. 

A few families hosted tables together, which created inroads for new Winsor community connections. Two families shared the culture of Greece, their tables—draped in flags and platters of food—educated attendees about art and cuisine. Rainbow scratch art in the shape of Greek vases allowed visitors to try their hand at the ancient art form while jars of hand-mixed spices were pressed into the hands of visitors so they could make their own tzatziki (yogurt with shredded cucumber, garlic and herbs) and horiatiki (salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and herbs) at home. 

Laminated one-pagers detailed the rules of mahjong and students were on hand to teach anyone who wanted to learn the tile-based game. Developed in the 19th century in China, it’s a social activity played by four players. At International Night, there were two games going all evening long where seasoned players helped novices decide which tiles to throw and which to keep. 

In collaboration with Winsor’s South Asian Student Alliance (SASA), a highlight of the event was a performance by the New England Bhangra Club—a competitive, independent, all-female dance team made up of college students from all over Boston. As featured artists for International Night, the troupe treated guests to a live performance and workshop. Bhangra is an energetic, folk dance and music form that originated from Punjab, India. The organizers emphasized that anyone can learn Bhangra and nearly 50 people streamed out onto the floor to learn choreography. 

From trying Colombian-style empanadas and Austrian pretzels, to exploring the many colors of India’s Holi Festival and perusing racks of clothing styles—the event created a dialogue where people could showcase their culture and educate curious attendees.

Thank you to everyone who had a hand in making this event so special for the Winsor community!