2024-10-31 16:20:03
A U.S. Soldier stationed in Żagań, Poland, leans in to take a bite from a dangling apple with hands behind his back during a Halloween game at Primary School No. 5 on October 30, 2024. Organized by the school’s English teachers, the event introduced students to American Halloween traditions, creating an interactive setting for language practice and cultural exchange between students and Soldiers from the local military unit. Zagan is one of 11 locations where U.S. Army Garrison Poland has an installation.(U.S. Army Photo by Bryan Araujo)
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ZAGAN, Poland — Zagan’s School No. 5 transformed into a haunted haven of Halloween festivities, welcoming five U.S. Army Soldiers stationed in Poland for a morning of spooky fun filled with costumes, games, and cultural exchange on Oct. 30, 2024.
Organized by the school’s English teachers and supported by U.S. Army Garrison Poland, the event gave students a hands-on look into American Halloween traditions, blending fun with learning.
“We invited the American Soldiers because they are away from their homes, and we wanted them to feel like they were back in the United States,” said Anna Chimko, English teacher at Primary School No. 5.
A Polish student wraps a U.S. Soldier into a toilet paper mummy by a primary school student during a Halloween celebration at Primary School No. 5 in Żagań, Poland, on October 30, 2024. Organized by the school’s English teachers, the event invited Soldiers to join in Halloween-themed activities with students, aiming to foster cultural exchange and provide an immersive English language learning experience. Zagan is one of 11 locations U.S. Army Garrison Poland has an installation(U.S. Army Photo by Bryan Araujo)
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U.S. Soldiers stationed in Żagań, Poland, attempt to take a bite from dangling apples with hands behind their backs in a Halloween game at Primary School No. 5 on October 30, 2024. The event, organized by the school’s English teachers, offered students a chance to experience American Halloween traditions and build language skills through festive interactions with Soldiers from the local military unit. Zagan is one 11 locations U.S. Army Garrison Poland has an installation.(U.S. Army Photo by Bryan Araujo)
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U.S. Soldiers stationed in Żagań, Poland, enjoy refreshments of coffee, tea, and Halloween-themed treats alongside students at Primary School No. 5 during a Halloween celebration on October 30, 2024. The event, organized by the school’s English teachers, offered Soldiers and students an opportunity to connect over American Halloween customs, promoting cultural exchange and enhancing students’ English language skills in an interactive, festive setting. Żagań is one of the 11 locations U.S. Army Garrison Poland has an installation at. (U.S. Army Photo by Bryan Araujo)
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The celebration included Halloween-themed performances by students dressed in costumes, featuring songs from American cult favorites like Ghostbusters and The Addams Family. The Soldiers joined in, participating in contests where students wrapped them into toilet paper mummies and competed to see who could take the first bite from apples dangling on strings.
“We wanted to show our students an American and English tradition,” said Chimko. “It’s not so popular here in Poland.”
The Soldiers also served as judges for the best-decorated pumpkin contest and joined in games that mixed American and local traditions. Festive treats and Halloween decorations set the stage, giving the event an authentic Halloween atmosphere.
Chimko said the event strengthen ties between the local community and the U.S. military, while allowing students to practice English in a real-world setting with native speakers.
From the students of School No. 5, USAG Poland and U.S. Army Soldiers stationed in Poland: Happy Halloween!
