So many aspects of life make us the individuals that we are. Culture, heritage, and traditions passed from one generation to the next rank as some of the most important factors that have an early formative effect.

Being proud of one’s heritage and carrying cultural peculiarities proudly is a key to being a fulfilled, confident, and happy individual.

The British School of Sofia (BSS) has a well-established tradition of honouring and celebrating the numerous cultures and identities that make our community unique.

One of the biggest events we organise to showcase diversity is the International Festival of Nations.

This year, the festival brought together representatives of more than 20 countries who presented their culture, traditions, cuisine, and art. 

A Diverse and Bright Cultural Display

The International Festival of Nations is an established tradition that’s occurring for the fourth consecutive time.

As members of this community, we have the incredible chance to meet people from all parts of the world. The multi-cultural experience is one of the most defining facets of BSS education.  

On a bright and sunny Saturday morning, we all arrived early at the BSS campus, getting ready to celebrate.

We set up booths in the green yard and the sound check finalised preparations for the performances yet to come throughout the day.

This year, more than 20 nations partook in the international festival. We experienced the culture, traditions, art, and incredible cuisine of Bulgaria, the UK, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Russia, Türkiye, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, and Ukraine. 

We Are Different, and We Love Diversity

The festival has several essential components that make it the spectacular event it is.

We launched the celebration in a way that makes a statement – the Parade of Nations.

The parade is a bright and colourful procession that has representatives of each country carrying their national flag in traditional costumes and attire.

Having this procession immediately highlights the colourful diversity that the British School of Sofia is all about. We come from many different places, and we spend the entire school year together. We believe that tolerance and a global mindset prepare children for a successful life, regardless of where the future takes them.

Two other elements turn the festival into the bright, unique, and unparallelled event that it is.

Each country has its national space to proudly display its culture, authentic artefacts, and cuisine. Many of the presentations this year also incorporated interactive elements, getting the visitors involved and helping them learn something interesting and unique about the respective country.

Additionally, the stage gave performers a chance to showcase national music, song, and dance. From the traditional Bulgarian horo to a Vietnamese lotus dance, we witnessed centuries of tradition, musical heritage, and pride.

A New Tradition in the Making

The International Festival of Nations is an annual event and a BSS tradition that we proudly established four years ago.

Its mission is to highlight the diversity and colour of the British School of Sofia community.

BSS brings together representatives of nearly 40 nations. Being an international school is one key element that makes the BSS experience unique. Global learning helps students understand our world and become more conscious and responsible citizens.