Students lead vibrant Hispanic Heritage Month celebration

The Office of Multicultural Affairs and two student organizations collaborated to host a Hispanic Heritage Month event that allowed the campus community to appreciate the culture through food, music, art and fashion. 

Student Graciela Ramirez-Parada took the initiative to bring the October 10 celebration to fruition. Students from Monarcas Ballet Folklórico and Latino Student Union, and others, came together to plan performances and food vendors. The event in the Kirkhof Center featured food from Tacos El Cuñado, El Caribe, Casa de los Abuelos, Belman’s Bakery and La Lotería. 

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities," Ramirez-Parada said. "This event highlights the vibrancy of Hispanic traditions and brings the community together in appreciation and connection."

Ramirez-Parada is the president of the Monarcas Ballet Folklórico, which performed traditional folklórico dances. Wayne State University’s folklórico group performed as well. 

The fashion show was another opportunity for students to showcase significant aspects of their culture through creative lenses. Michael Siguenza participated in the Chicano fashion show. 

“Chicano culture started in California from the worker movements, so I’m wearing a flannel with some baggy pants and a belt,” he said. “It’s kind of a representation of taking power back. You know, flannels were meant to be worn out there in the fields or during hard labor. Now they’re worn as a reminder of what we came from.”

Lucero Arizaga is the student programming assistant for Laker Familia and was involved with Monarcas and Latino Student Union. Arizaga shared what Hispanic Heritage Month means to her and why this event is important. 

“Hispanic Heritage Month, to me, is a celebration of my culture and the culture of those around me," Arizaga said. "This celebration is just us showing our pride in our culture, and our culture is not just one culture. It’s nice to feel that community and come together to celebrate our beautiful culture.”