Seasonal festivals and celebrations occur throughout the year and play a very important part in the curriculum. The larger rhythms of the seasons are marked by the preparation and celebration of the great festivals of the year which weave into one another as the seasons are related and intertwined. Here the experience of the quality of each season is deepened and celebrated.
In our own inner preparation for the festival, we ponder the qualities of each season to be celebrated:
- gratitude at harvest time;
- the courage, strength, and perseverance of the Autumnal Equinox;
- the quiet hope and anticipation of the Winter Solstice;
- the love and light of the New Year;
- the transformation, miracle, and rebirth of Springtime;
- the celebration of the coming of relaxed routines and Summer at Festival of May.
These qualities are expressed in the celebration itself through the power of pictures, songs, stories, plays, and gathering together as a community – thus providing nourishment for body, soul, and spirit.
Mangrove School of Sarasota Seasonal Festivals
Our seasonal holidays and festivals reflect universal life-affirming events that we, as humans, have celebrated throughout history. The real beauty of our festivals is that they provide the unique opportunity for individuals of different religions and backgrounds to unite in celebration of common beliefs, encouraging awareness and respect for one another in a shared world. Celebrations throughout the year inspire community spirit, reverence and joy, reflecting ancient traditions with modern application.
A few of our seasonal festivals include:
The Autumn Equinox Festival, which celebrates our ability to conquer the powers of darkness by overcoming our fears and developing a strong and brave free will. Through great symbolism, children are taught to stand for what is good and true, overcome obstacles and have courage for their tasks.
The Winter Spiral has become the symbol for light returning and a tradition for the families in our community. The Spiral is a journey inward toward awareness of the eternal light within each of us and all humanity.
Festival of May is resplendent with flowers, wreath-making and Maypole dancing to celebrate the coming of summer. Parents and children share in the creation of wreaths, song, and dance, followed by a spectacular sunset at Siesta Key beach.
Assemblies are held before Winter and Summer Breaks. These unique performances provide a wonderful opportunity for parents to share in their child’s development, for students to develop confidence and pride in their accomplishments, and for each student to recollect their younger years, as s/he anticipates journeys to come.