The central hallway of Edgewood Elementary (EWE) in Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) was bursting with smiles and excitement during the school’s second annual International Festival.

Students, teachers and families gathered after school to experience a vibrant showcase of culture and community. More than a dozen countries were represented at decorated tables featuring artifacts, traditional clothing and delicious treats.

Parents, grandparents and teachers hosted many of the tables, often dressed in colorful traditional attire to enhance the international experience. Principal Jessica Tejada greeted attendees at the front door, dressed in festive Mexican regalia.

“This year, parents brought even more treats for people to try,” Tejada said. “We host this event to celebrate all nationalities together as the school year ends. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to come together.”

“It’s so wonderful to represent my country in this way,” said Assistant Principal Gabby Cruz, dressed in a vibrant, ruffled Venezuelan dress. “There aren’t many Venezuelans here, so it’s important to show who we are beyond what people see on TV. And my daughter is here helping me today—it’s great.”

Cruz served a refreshing drink made from freshly squeezed limes and sugar cane water, known as papelón con limón. She also offered other authentic Venezuelan finger foods, sourced from a local restaurant.

Teacher assistant Cyril Martinez showcased his heritage from the Philippines with a display that included a beautifully embroidered men’s shirt made from pineapple fibers, traditional crochet items, placemats, carved artifacts, and a fan painted with a map of the country. His table also featured a Filipino board game. Martinez wore a T-shirt from the University of Santo Tomas, his alma mater.

The Puerto Rican table was hosted by pre-kindergarten teacher Maritza Rosario, who moved to Houston from Puerto Rico 10 years ago and has taught at Edgewood ever since. “I love it here,” she said, smiling beneath her colorful fedora de playa (straw beach hat) from her home country.

Traditions and Tastes

Students and families proudly shared their cultural heritage and eagerly learned about others’ traditions and cuisines. One parent was overheard saying, “I just finished eating my way down Central and South America!”

Edgewood parent Olga Reyes represented Korea, a country she grew to love after working for 17 years in a Korean-owned store. At her table, she served seaweed crackers, ginger candy and instant Korean coffee powder. Reyes also wore a shirt with Korean script reading, “I love Korea.”

Mexico had the largest number of representatives, including a table hosted by three generations: a grandmother making tortillas, a mother, and a first-grade student—all dressed in traditional Mexican clothing. Their vibrant table featured aguas frescas, rice, mole, tacos, aguachile (a spicy mix of shrimp, lime and tomatillos), pan dulce, and more—all served in hand-painted Mexican crockery.

France was represented by Edgewood’s third-grade teachers. Their table was decorated with student artwork of famous French landmarks, and sweet macarons were the centerpiece of the display, which included Eiffel Tower motifs.

Around the World at Edgewood

Other countries represented at the festival included Peru, Canada, China and Nicaragua.

With enthusiasm, each host shared food, stories and traditions with their Edgewood family—creating an atmosphere of learning and connection. One bite, sip and splash of color at a time, the festival gave students meaningful opportunities to explore cultures beyond their own, fostering curiosity and communication—essential skills for future-ready, T-2-4 learners.

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