A mosaic of cultures at summer graduation

City St George’s Summer Graduation 2026 ceremonies gave students a chance to showcase their customs and heritage through a diverse array of attires and accessories. From laurel wreaths to customised graduation stoles, students paid tribute to their home countries.

The graduation ceremony is undoubtedly the most memorable event in a student's journey. From the excitement of wearing gowns and the nervousness of walking across the stage to the joy of seeing family and friends cheering on, very few things can beat that feeling. These moments are also gentle reminders of how far students have come. Recent graduates used this opportunity to subtly celebrate their culture and roots.

A common accessory sported this year was a laurel wreath, a circular crown made from the branches and leaves of the bay laurel shrub, popular with students of Italian heritage.

Professor Sonia Falconieri , an academic of corporate finance at Bayes Business School who is originally from Italy, said:

The tradition of the laurel wreath originated in ancient Greece and was later used by the Romans to crown victorious commanders. Centuries later, universities adopted it to mark the completion of academic studies. The laurel wreath represents success, glory and knowledge. In recent years, the tradition has enjoyed a revival, and it was proudly part of my son's attire when he graduated. I still have the wreath as a memory!

One student’s father explained: “The alloro, the Italian word for laurel or bay tree, is a symbol of knowledge. Depending on the faculty you graduate from, you can add the flowers and ribbons to the laurel.”

Cristian Cauteruccio, a law student, was surprised at the ceremony by his mother, who brought him a laurel wreath from Italy. “I love how traditions shape people. It's amazing how the Italians come together in a city like London. It's lovely to have your own tradition that your family respects and upholds.”

Along with laurels, people also flaunted customised graduation stoles to celebrate their cultures during the graduation ceremonies. Stoles – a decorative scarf-like garment were customised by incorporating flags of the respective countries, occasionally including their name and the University’s name. One even featured a traditional poetic line celebrating the country.

An Indonesian student donned a handmade black and gold batik shirt. Batik is an art form of wax-resist fabric dyeing, recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. “Apart from formal events, people in Indonesia also wear batik print every Friday to work,” he said.

Ceremonies like these are important reminders that educational milestones are no longer limited to black gowns and mortarboard caps. They are a tapestry of multiple cultures and traditions, a nod to the unity in diversity.