Monday, November 12, 2012

Peace and Harmony at Monarch’s International Peace Festival


Maria Montessori was nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize for her work on educating children on peace so that one day our world may live in harmony. Monarch Montessori of Denver is continuing the idea of peace and harmony by hosting its third International Peace Festival on November 20th from 6 to 7:30pm, just before Thanksgiving.  The community event is one of Monarch’s biggest and best.  Much like the pilgrims and the Native Americans came together to feast after the fall harvest and share cultures, Monarch will bring all the world cultures together to celebrate diversity and feast on delectable from around the world.  In addition to amazing food, there will be photos, artifacts, authentic clothing, entertainment and tons of excitement. 

The set up of this event is in a circle, just like the world and each table has a color that represents one of the seven continents on a Montessori globe.  All of the tables are filled to the brim with food and information about different countries.  Many families represent their own heritage with so much pride and openness.  While other families are seeking out a new favorite ethnic treat. Many people asked the preschool teacher from India, Prathima Srinidhi where to find the best Indian food in Denver and her response “My house!”  This event is just like going to Prathima’s house for Indian food and then to Monarch’s chef, Ana Simental house for Mexican food and so on and on! It is having the very best food from around the world made in the kitchens of people who learned authentic recipes from being pasted down from generation to generation. 

Families who join us will see that not only is their tummy full, but the entertainment is amazing! Elementary students will be lead by Monarch’s music teacher Tenealle Dunbar singing songs about peace. Tenealle, who is a classically trained opera singer, will also be performing a solo. This year’s event is sure to engage the senses with food, artifacts, beautiful clothing and merriment as we have almost doubled our school.  The festival will be held in the gym in the High Teach Early College side of the building to accommodate all our families.