Embracing Heritage at the Night of Nations Celebration

Every year, a special event called the Night of Nations is held at Nutley High School. This night is more than just a celebration; it is a night to showcase cultural representation, giving the students the chance to explore new cultures, most importantly promoting cultural diversity and inclusion within Nutley High School.

The Night of Nations began primarily to support ESL students, but as the community grew more diverse, it evolved into a night where every student could feel represented. “We want to make sure everyone feels represented and has at least one night of cultural representation, provided by their high school,” said event organizer, Senior Jaylin Romero

The Night of Nations creates an inclusive environment where every student can see their culture celebrated and acknowledged. It gives each student the opportunity to participate in a night dedicated to their heritage, creating a sense of community within the school. 

Students play a crucial role in making the Night of Nations a success because this is an event for the students, by students. It is beneficial for all students to take a role of involvement and donate food or sign up for different activities.

Romero says, “For example, events like the fashion show, if they wanna do a dance or maybe a song that represents them culturally…We also have a henna station so people know how to do that, or origami, or if people want to primarily bring food I think that would be very helpful.”

One of the main activities students can expect to see is the fashion show, in which students wear different items from their culture that they feel best represent them.

Romero says, “Maybe they’ll wear a saree which is for Indian culture, something they wear at weddings … or maybe a salsa gown if they’re gonna perform a salsa. We also have performers like the taekwondo dojo that are going to be there.”

Throughout the evening, there are various booths set up where students can learn about different cultures, try their hand at traditional crafts, and sample delicious foods from around the world.

Prudence Soobrattie, an ESL teacher at NHS, says the night can be about children, not only seeing the representation of other countries but also exploring all the different cultural traditions and foods. “I was having a conversation with a Dominican student and she ate Dominican food all the time, so I told her, ‘Go to Nepal, go to the Philippines, and now go to Egypt. You wanna try new experiences and this night is the perfect opportunity to do so.’”

Students in various clubs take on a main part in the night and make it special for all in attendance. Romero says, “A lot of clubs are collaborating on different tasks, so some clubs are providing volunteers for the fashion show. Some clubs are providing food and resources, and setting up and cleanup, so everyone collaborates.”

The Night of Nations not only celebrates diversity but also creates stronger understandings of different cultures and more respect amongst students.

“The Night of Nations wants to convey the message that Nutley high school is accepting of all students of different backgrounds, and wants to really connect and teach people who may not be exposed to different cultures about their culture, and vice versa,” said Romero.

In the end, Romero hopes that the Night of Nations provides everyone with a sense of belonging and pride in their culture.