A Passport to Community: Students Celebrate World Cultures at the International AfFair

Canterbury enjoys many traditions, and there are few that students look forward to more than the International AfFair, an annual celebration of culture, heritage, and lots of delicious food from around the world. The beloved event brings together students, faculty, and staff for an evening that highlights the diversity and global culture of the School community.

On May 2, students took a journey around the world without leaving the Steers Center Ragland Commons, visiting tables filled with foods from Bangladesh, China, Colombia, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Korea, and Ukraine. From savory entrees to decadent desserts, each table offered attendees the chance to experience something new while learning more about the cultures represented on campus. Many students proudly prepared family recipes, decorated their tables with cultural symbols and flags, and shared stories about their favorite traditions.

“The International AfFair has to be one of my favorite traditions,” says Zeba Ahmed ’26. “It’s the perfect opportunity for students and faculty to share their culture and background with the one thing everyone loves—food! Being a South Asian student, I love being able to represent my culture through special dishes and learning about other cultures as well.”

In addition to celebrating cuisine, the evening—organized by World Language Teacher and International Student Advisor Julio Omaña P ’19, ’20—fostered curiosity and connection, offering students opportunities to learn and share. The International AfFair is a reminder that while Canterbury’s Saints are one community, it has been formed by many different perspectives and cultures.