Hundreds of families packed into Blix Elementary for the school’s annual Multicultural Night, also known as Noche Multicultural. Throughout the evening, an estimated 400–500 people filled the lunchroom, chatting in multiple languages as students and community performers took the stage to celebrate cultures from around the world. 

Flashes of color moved through the crowd as students in vibrant costumes returned from the performance area to hugs, cheers and raised phone cameras. Between performances, families gathered to share burritos from a local parent‑owned Mexican restaurant and pizza provided by a private donor. 

“Our differences make us stronger,” said Antonio Franco, Blix teacher, emcee and lead organizer of the event, who welcomed families in both English and Spanish. 

Students and community performances fill the stage 

Performances were at the heart of the evening, with students taking center stage to showcase a range of cultural traditions. One of the night’s most energetic moments came during a routine inspired by the movie “K‑Pop Demon Hunters.” The group didn’t just dance — they sang along enthusiastically, filling the gym with their voices and drawing some of the loudest cheers of the night. 

Kindergartners performed a lively salsa dance as the audience clapped along, while older students followed with Latin hip‑hop, Banda Sinaloense and Asian Pacific dances that blended traditional movement with contemporary music. 

The program also included a Native American performance by a mother and her children, who shared a story through movement using jingle, grass and butterfly dancing. Later, the rhythmic sound of wooden instruments introduced a marimba group’s performance. 

Community groups rounded out the evening, including a local refugee choir that performed songs focused on unity and togetherness. A Tacoma folklórico group, which included some Blix students, brought the celebration to a vibrant close. 

Creating an open door for families 

Franco, a fifth‑grade teacher and former dual‑language educator, has helped lead Multicultural Night since 2018. He said the event plays an important role in building connections with the community at Blix. 

“We are blessed with a very diverse community that sometimes hesitates to access our school because of cultural or language barriers,” Franco said. “Multicultural Night, in my opinion, is an open door for families to visit our school and feel included in some way.” 

He credits the continued success of the event to the collective effort behind it, from staff members who help prepare performances, decorations and costumes, to students eager to take the stage, and community partners who provide food and support. 

“Whether they help prepare a performance, volunteer or simply show up to enjoy the show, families and children love the focus of celebrating our diversity with us,” Franco said. 

As attendance continues to grow each year, Multicultural Night remains a meaningful reflection of Blix Elementary’s commitment to inclusion and celebrating the cultures that make up its school community.