On December 17th, Roosevelt Elementary School in Ossining, New York, participated once again in the Global Celebrations program, a key part of the One World Global Connections initiative. This time, a 5th grade class from Ms. Cowan’s classroom had the opportunity to connect with students from Escuela Maria Enriqueta Camarillo y Roa in Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico, to share their unique end-of-year celebrations.
The session proved to be both enlightening and fun as students realized the many similarities in how they celebrate the holiday season. Roosevelt students presented in English about the Three Kings (Día de Reyes) celebration, describing the tradition of honoring the three wise men and how they celebrate with parades, gifts, and family gatherings.
Meanwhile, students from Escuela Maria Enriqueta Camarillo y Roa shared their own version of the Three Kings celebration, highlighting their tradition of enjoying a special Rosca de Reyes (King’s Cake). The highlight of the celebration is searching for the hidden “baby Jesus” figure in the cake, followed by a festive “tamaliza” feast.
It was a moment of discovery for both groups, as they realized that despite living in different parts of the world, their holiday traditions held many common themes—family, community, and joyful celebration.
This virtual exchange not only brought students closer together through shared experiences but also underscored the power of global connections to build understanding and foster respect for diverse cultures. It was a valuable lesson in how traditions can unite us, no matter where we are in the world.
As Roosevelt Elementary continues to participate in the Global Celebrations program, these cross-cultural exchanges offer a unique opportunity for students to broaden their perspectives and build lasting connections with peers around the globe.
