FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact:
James Canning, jcanning@sandi.net, 313-580-2845
Marisa Berumen, mberumen@sandi.net, 619-847-6029
Ibarra Elementary to Host Second Annual Parade of Nations
Students Celebrate Cultural Diversity with Parade Representing 26 Countries
SAN DIEGO (MARCH 9, 2026) – Ibarra Elementary School will host its second annual Parade of Nations on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Twenty-six countries will be represented as school students, led by Ibarra's No Place for Hate Program, which will showcase the rich cultural diversity of their school community by celebrating the many countries and traditions.
"We believe that when we bring our diverse voices together, we strengthen not only Ibarra, but our entire community. I am incredibly proud of our team for leading with heart and creating opportunities that celebrate the richness of our students and families," said Interim Principal Fred Cruz. "Our staff has worked thoughtfully to create a space where families and students feel seen, valued, and connected. As Yo-Yo Ma reminds us, 'Our cultural strength has always been derived from our diversity of understanding and experience.'
The Parade of Nations reflects the San Diego Unified School District's commitment to equity and belonging for every student. By creating space for students and families to share and celebrate their cultural heritage, Ibarra Elementary is bringing to life the district's commitment of creating inclusive, welcoming schools where every child feels valued and seen.
More than 300 students will be in attendance, including Alice Gutierrez, a fifth grader and No Place for Hate student leader at Ibarra Elementary.
"The Parade of Nations Event is a great way to show that there are students from many cultures and countries at our school, and they are proud of where their families are from," Gutierrez said. "Walking in the parade makes me feel happy to share my culture with everybody and to learn about and see the cultural outfits and flags of other students."
The celebration will feature 26 countries spanning five continents in a colorful parade through the auditorium. Countries represented include Afghanistan, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, Congo, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Somalia, Sudan, Thailand, USA, Vietnam, and others.
Event Day Activities
The program begins with an interactive opening in which a teacher emcee leads students in saying "hello" in multiple languages. When the parade begins, each country is announced, and student representatives, wearing name badges identifying their assigned nation, walk down a red carpet that runs through the center of the auditorium. Students representing each country are stationed on both sides of the carpet and take turns walking the runway as classmates and families cheer them on.
EVENT DETAILS:
What: Second Annual Parade of Nations
When: Friday, March 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Ibarra Elementary School Auditorium, 4877 Orange Ave, San Diego, CA 92115
PHOTOS: Here
Media Availability: Event coordinators, Rosemarie Lettiere and Monica Duncan will be available for interviews.
Background About Parade of Nations
The first Parade of Nations was held in April 2025 and was organized by Ibarra's Resource Teacher Rosemarie Lettiere, Counselor Monica Duncan, and the school's Community Schools Site Coordinator, along with student leaders and additional staff. The event was embraced by the school community and became a highlight of the year, inspiring organizers to make it an annual tradition.
Ibarra Elementary's No Place for Hate program, through which student leaders help organize the parade, is part of a national initiative by the Anti-Defamation League that empowers schools to challenge bias and create inclusive learning environments.
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| | James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net 4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103
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