Hispanic Day 2025

By Mrs Sophie Manoharan, Junior School Spanish Teacher

Hispanic Day strengthens our ties with Spanish-speaking embassies while offering students a lively and engaging way to connect with Spanish culture and language.

Today's celebration built on the success of previous Hispanic Days, featuring a vibrant festival that highlighted the rich traditions of nine embassies. This year, we were treated to Latin dance sessions led by Ebeny Glapiak and the owner of Kokoloco Dance Studio, Becky Fleming. There was also a dynamic drum sessions organised by Tim Orgias from InRhythm and Sinuhe Pacheco from Afro Cuban Percussion School.

Traditional games like La Rana, organised by Señor Alvarez from Colombia, added a delightful touch to the festivities. This year’s event was even more special, as we welcomed our Pre-Kindergarten students to join in the celebration.

We began this year's Hispanic Day with a warm welcome to all participants in the R.A. Young Hall. As part of this welcome, the Year 3 students reminded us all how to greet our guests in Spanish, the Year 4 students performed a lively song celebrating food, and the Warblers performed a beautiful song, led by their music teacher, Ms Bronwyn Potter.

After the opening ceremony, students from Kindergarten, Year 5 and Year 6 participated in two 30-minute activity sessions around the Junior School. Following recess, students from Year 1 to Year 4 enjoyed another two sets of 30-minute activities. Finally, after a delicious Spanish-inspired lunch, the Pre-Kindergarten students, along with students in Years 1 and 2, took part in the last two 25-minute sessions.

Throughout the day, students immersed themselves in dance and traditional games, with Spanish language exposure woven into all activities.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the passionate representatives from Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, El Salvador, Spain, and Uruguay, as well as the vibrant energy of Becky and Ebeny from Kokoloco Dance Studio, Sinuhe and Tim for the drum sessions, and Señor Alvarez from Colombia. Thanks to their contributions, Hispanic Day 2025 was a tremendous success.

A special mention is owed to the Radford Canteen for adding a flavourful touch to the event with a Hispanic-themed menu. Our sincere gratitude also extends to the dedicated staff, Specialist team, and Facilities team, whose unwavering support and flexibility made the day truly exceptional.

As the celebration concludes, we hope our students take home a vivid mosaic of colours, words, games, and knowledge, enriching their appreciation for Hispanic culture.