AIS Holds its 40th annual Worldfest

On October 26th, AIS hosted its 40th annual Worldfest. Fifty-seven countries and all inhabited continents were represented on a mild fall day behind the school. In 1980, the year of the first Worldfest, 17 of these countries did not exist as independent states, and another one of them (Germany) was split in two. Delicious food and drinks were offered at the individual booths spread throughout the fest as live music from the stage set up on the blacktop entertained the guests. 

Most of the countries represented offered a wide variety of their specialty dishes, both sweet and savory, as people wandered from one to the next, trying to make up their minds what to try. From the lively Spanish table, where fans cheered and groaned as they watched Real Madrid and Barcelona play “futbol” on a large TV (enjoying plates of Spanish omlette and paella at the same time), to the bubble teas being sold as quickly as they could be made at the Taiwan table, to the crepes at the French table, chocolate Babka at Israel, falafel, fresh zataar and labneh from Lebanon, Tunisia, and Syria, and the long lines for acai and grilled meats at the Brazil booth - there was something for everyone.  At lunch time, it was hard to walk from one end to the other, with the crowds of people balancing their plates, eating while walking, laughing and talking, and looking for something else to try.

As the day wore on, it was also reported that Head of School Mr. Glass was seen wearing a suit printed with AIS logos from head to toe.

After the event, the organizing committee awarded Argentina with the best food, Colombia with the best display, and a special mention was given to Nigeria.   

The 40th Worldfest concluded as another success.  The event exemplified the spirit of AIS, respecting and recognizing the many wonderful countries and their unique cultures and foods, all side-by-side in a colorful festival enjoyed by hundreds of people.