Press release from Principal Julia Chaffe, Guilford High School

Guilford High School (GHS) is thrilled to announce its inaugural Multicultural Festival—a free event open to the community—scheduled for the evening of Thursday, Feb. 1, starting at 7 p.m. The festival will take place in the Commons at GHS on 605 New England Road, providing an ideal space for interactive programming and engaging experiences for all.

Conceived and organized by GHS senior Sergio Garcia-Perez, the Multicultural Festival aims to foster unity within Guilford and celebrate the rich cultural influences from across the Greater New Haven area. The event will showcase cultural performances from around the world, presented by diverse groups from Guilford and neighboring communities.

Garcia-Perez, the visionary behind the festival, wants to leave a lasting legacy that encourages younger generations to attend and actively participate. His leadership and initiative reflect GHS’s commitment to providing enriching experiences for its students and the broader community.

"Sergio’s idea is to make this festival accessible to everyone in our community. It's not just an event; it's a celebration of many cultures and a chance for everyone to come together and celebrate them," said GHS Principal Julia Chaffe.

The Guilford Fund for Education and The Guilford Foundation are proud sponsors of the Multicultural Festival. As organizations in Guilford, they believe in supporting initiatives that promote unity and cultural understanding within the community.

The chosen venue for the event, the GHS Commons, will enhance the festival's atmosphere and allow for a more immersive experience with interactive programming. Attendees can expect captivating performances representing cultures from around the world, presented by various groups within Guilford and neighboring communities.

Garcia-Perez expressed his vision for the festival.

"I hope to leave a legacy that inspires younger generations to embrace and celebrate the diverse cultures that make up our community,” Garcia-Perez said. “This is a unique opportunity for everyone to learn, connect, and create lasting memories."

All are welcome to attend this event, and organizers encourage participants to represent their cultural heritage by wearing traditional clothing or the colors of their respective countries.

For more information, please contact Julia Chaffe at 203-453-2741 or chaffej@guilfordschools.org, or Sergio Garcia-Perez at sergio.gp1022@gmail.com.