Festival and Celebrations

The healthy social life is found when in the mirror of each human soul the whole community finds its reflection, and in the community the virtue of each one is living. 

~ Rudolf Steiner

Festivals and Events

Festivals are a vital part of Waldorf Education. They provide nourishment to the individual and bring the community together in meaningful ways. The festival is an anniversary that brings to a community the richness of story and song, light and food and celebrates our shared humanity. Expressing our ageless struggle from darkness toward light, each festival is a mood, an attitude, an experience; it is a social expression that reflects and celebrates an entire season.

Many festivals are celebrated community-wide. Some festivals are celebrated with the children in the grades classes. The kindergartens observe most festivals independently, often with their class parents invited to participate.

Festivals may also be celebrated within the curriculum presented in the grades. These festivals are brought with the help of parents or teachers who have a strong connection with the culture being studied. A meal may be served, songs sung, or dances learned.

Additional class assemblies and community gatherings add to the richness of the year. The grades students meet on most Fridays (Friday Gathering) to share songs, verses and plays – all community members are welcome! The community also gathers together to celebrate the first and last days of school, and Diwali and Christmas party.

Seasonal festivals serve to connect humanity with the rhythms of nature and of the cosmos. The festivals originated in ancient cultures, yet have been adapted over time. To join the seasonal moods of the year, in a festive way, benefits the inner life of the soul. The simple rituals create the mood and ambience for prayer and celebration to happen and touches children at a deeper level. For kindergarten children and early graders the celebration of festivals gives a sense of time and seasons.

Hence, the celebration of festivals has always been an important part of Waldorf education. There is joy in the anticipation, the preparation, the celebration itself, and the memories. A common experience of joy and reverence – Singing, dancing, stories, food and sharing are all a part of the festivals of the year.

Swadhaa celebrated the following festivals and many more through the year.