Julian Curtiss School Celebrates UN Day  with 34th Annual ‘Parade of Nations 

Julian Curtiss School, located in downtown Greenwich, held its 34th annual parade marking United Nations Day and shared principles of equality and peace on Thursday, October 23.

At least 53 countries and 30 languages are represented at the diverse public school. All students, dressed to celebrate their diverse culture and in native costume, promenaded under a flag representing their family’s heritage.

This year included a solo rendition of the Marinera dance, a Peruvian dance performance by fourth grader Thiago Molla, and fifth grader Ava Santos-Perez, as well as a speech by fifth grade students Rui Fukuchi and Brenda Mengali De Andrade.

There was also a speech by Yazmin Elizabeth Moreno Martin, the mother of fifth grader, Miguel Angel Montiel Moreno. The speech included Mrs. Moreno Martin’s personal experiences of moving from another country to the United States and Greenwich.

Julian Curtiss School fifth grade students performed “Hello to All the Children of the World,” and “Give Us Hope” in honor of the day. Children of all grades have been learning “JC is The Place To Be” to close out the program.

“United Nations Day reminds us that our school is more than just a building – it is a global community where children learn to appreciate and respect one another’s heritage,” Principal Eduardo Calderón said. “With families from 53 nations, we are teaching the next generation that our differences unite us rather than divide us. This small school in Greenwich carries a big message of hope and harmony for the world.”

The parade was the culmination of a week-long tradition of events and assemblies. It followed by an International Food Tasting event where members of the school community brought dishes to share in a family-style buffet event.

This year’s food tasting featured food and music from Japan, the Dominican Republic, Israel, Ukraine, and Italy, among others.

“There is something magical about breaking bread together,” Principal Calderón added. “Our International Food Tasting brings our Julian Curtiss family together in the most authentic way—through the flavors and traditions of home. These shared meals spark meaningful conversations about heritage and culture, deepening our appreciation for one another and the world around us.”