Annual International festival attracts 3,500 visitors in Windhoek
Windhoek International School (WIS), in collaboration with the Association of Diplomatic Spouses (ADS), proudly hosted the 2026 International Festival, a flagship celebration of food, culture, and community. This year’s festival combined cultural showcases along with ADS’s renowned annual fundraising raffle, supporting charitable causes and strengthening bonds across Namibia’s diverse global community. With approximately 3,500 attendees, this year’s festival stood as one of the largest community events in Windhoek. The flag parade saw representation from 56 different countries, culminating in a rousing dance party around the
Namibian flag. Dance routines from 16 different countries highlighted the richness of global traditions which exist within Windhoek.
The 2026 International Festival represents a merger of two flagship events, the WIS International Day and the ADS Charity Cultural Bazaar–which have taken place in Windhoek for over three decades. Cultural programme highlights included WIS classes, from Kindergarten to Grade 11, celebrating a chosen country through dance performances and food stalls. Embassies, High Commissions, and Consulates, and Cultural Centres also participated, hosting large stalls that offered authentic tastes, flavors, and cultural experiences in a bazaar-like atmosphere. The event coincided with Zimbabwe’s Independence Day. The Namibian Symphony Orchestra performed, as did the Sunshine Marimba Band and the DHPS Band. The school’s learning support department organised a zipline for students. Sports tournaments took place on the school’s expansive grounds, with soccer, volleyball, and basketball friendlies taking place throughout the day. The
event was officially opened by Edda Bohn, the Deputy Executive Director of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture.
Ethan Van Drunen, Director of WIS, remarked: “This festival is a living example of unity in diversity, where our students, families, and partners come together to honour cultures and strengthen community bonds. All are
welcome, and Windhoek showed up.” Matthias Giesler, the ADS President added: “The collaboration between ADS and WIS reflects our shared commitment to building bridges across cultures while supporting causes
that uplift communities in Namibia.”
The event raised over N$300,000, which will now be allocated to ADS- sponsored charities and to the WIS Scholarship Fund for disadvantaged students in Windhoek and across Namibia. WIS students also sold art and raised funds for the purchase of at least 150 blankets and warm clothes for charitable distribution in advance of the winter season. The WIS Annual International Day Festival continues to stand as a beacon of
diversity, unity, and celebration - a testament to the power of culture and collaboration in shaping a vibrant global community in Namibia. Van Drunen said, “Windhoek is a vibrant global city with many cultures represented. The world comes to Windhoek, and today’s event brought Windhoek to the world.”
