The Nativity School hosted its 28th annual Cultural Day on April 11, a vibrant tradition that brings students and families together each year to celebrate the rich heritage of a different country. This year, the spotlight shone on Italy and Vatican City—chosen not only for their iconic cultural contributions but also for their deep significance to the Catholic Church during the 2025 Vatican Jubilee Year, according to a news release.
Co-chaired by Elizabeth Cabezuela, Catherine Gruen, Jenna Jacobsen, and Elisabeth Pedder and over 50 parent volunteers, this year’s event was a spectacular journey through Italian history, cuisine, art, and music.
“We chose Italy because of its spiritual and historical importance during this special Jubilee Year,” said the co-chairs in the news release. “It was a meaningful way to connect our school’s Catholic identity with a global celebration of hope and renewal.”
Thanks to the creative vision and design talents of Elisabeth Pedder, the campus transformed into an immersive Italian experience. Families were welcomed with a cheerful “Benvenuto in Italia!” and ed through a lively “port Control,” complete with Italian airport sounds. Guests were treated to Caprese skewers, Italian bread, and grapes before beginning their exploration of themed stations, including:• Ancient Rome: Students traveled back 2,000 years to the Colosseum for mock gladiator fights and fascinating insights into ancient Roman customs. Real artifacts dating from the 2nd century B.C. to the 2nd century A.D. were on display, hosted by Susannah Peterson.• Italian Art and Fashion: Curated by Nikki Prager, this boutique station celebrated legendary Italian designers, their craftsmanship, and iconic artworks, offering students a glimpse into Italy’s world-renowned style. Iconic framed Italian art was on display.• Ceramic Tile Art: Hosted by Jenna Jacobsen, students learned about traditional Italian ceramics from Deruta and Ceramiche d’Arte Parrini, then painted their own tile masterpieces using Italian-themed stencils.• Venetian Carnevale: Students explored the historic art of mask-making, a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. They crafted their own unique carnival masks, guided by Kara Mancarose and Leslie Jenkins.• Italian Automobiles: Thanks to Nativity Dad Graydon Coghlin and Ferrari of San Diego, sleek Italian cars were on display. Students were treated to a fun and educational “Great Car Showdown” skit featuring Dads Arash Memarzadeh as Enzo Ferrari and Armani Adams as Ferruccio Lamborghini—a lively lesson in innovation and perseverance.• Hands-On Vineyard: Students learned about the role of wine in Italian and Catholic culture while stomping compostable grapes, generously donated by local ers. This lively station was hosted by Elizabeth Cabezuela.• Football (Calcio) Obstacle Course: Dads Javier Cabezuela and Oscar Maria introduced students to Italian soccer through fun and challenging activities on the field.• Nonna’s Kitchen: Hosted by Maryann Anderson and Tanya Maria, students tried their hand at pizza dough tossing and had fun making their own cannoli.
Students also enjoyed a delicious, authentic Italian meal prepared by Nativity mom Kim Acciardi and her team of volunteers. The feast featured pasta with handmade marinara sauce, pizza, garlic bread, and of course—gelato.
A highlight of the day was the Vatican City Exhibit, hosted by Tammy Lambert and Jennifer Miller. Students “toured” the Sistine Chapel, complete with ceiling murals, browsed a souvenir shop of religious items, and learned about two young Italian saints soon to be canonized: Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, is especially known for using the internet to spread his faith, inspiring a new generation of Catholics.
The grand finale featured breathtaking performances by acclaimed opera singers Victoria Robertson and Rosario Monetti. Their powerful voices transported the audience to Milan’s Teatro alla Scala, bringing the magic and history of Italian opera vividly to life.
Each Cultural Day at Nativity “not only broadens students’ global understanding but also deepens their appreciation for faith and tradition,” the news release stated.
