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Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the U.S. Latinx and Hispanic Communities. Sept. 15 marks the day several Latin American countries, El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras declared independence from Spain. The independence days of Mexico and Chile fall on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.

Observing Hispanic Heritage began in the United States during 1968 for a week until President Reagan expanded this celebration for a month and signed it into law in August 1988. This is a special month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans.

ÀÏ°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼ hosts several events in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month:

2024 Events

Hispanic Heritage Month Kick Off: Paletas & Piñatas
Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Baer Mall
Join us for a vibrant celebration as we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with "Paletas & Piñatas"! Enjoy a fun-filled event featuring traditional paletas (Mexican popsicles) in a variety of flavors, along with colorful piñatas. This lively gathering is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Hispanic culture, connect with the community, and start the month-long festivities with a burst of color, flavor, and joy. All are welcome to participate in this celebration of heritage, tradition, and togetherness!

Noche Latina Dance Night
Sept. 26, 6-8 p.m., Gazebo in front of the Campus Center
Join us for an unforgettable evening at Noche Latina Dance Night, held at the picturesque Gazebo near the Fox River! Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of Latin music as we bring the energy and passion of bachata, merengue, and salsa to life.

Kick off the evening with an hour of guided dance instruction with local instructors Semper Salsa, where you'll learn the basics of these popular Latin dances from skilled instructors. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, this is the perfect opportunity to get moving and have fun. Following the instruction, we'll have a guided practice session to help you refine your moves. Once you've warmed up, enjoy a lively session of free dance, where you can let loose and dance the night away to the beats of our live DJ, who will keep the party going with a fantastic mix of Latin hits.

Hispanic Student Networking Mixer
Oct. 17 11, 5-7 p.m., Cassandra Voss Center
Join us for a vibrant and engaging Hispanic Student Networking Mixer! This event is an excellent opportunity for Hispanic-identifying students to connect with peers, mentors, and professionals in the community. Expand your network, share experiences, and build relationships that can support your academic and career journey. Enjoy light refreshments, and take advantage of the cash bar available. Don't miss out on this chance to engage with your community and explore new opportunities!

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¡Fiesta! Gala
Oct. 25, 5-9 p.m., Michels Ballroom

For over 20 years, the Office of Student Inclusion & Belonging (OSIB) has proudly hosted the Soul Food Dinner and Fiesta, two signature events celebrating diversity and inclusion on our campus. This year, we invite you to join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Fiesta 2024, where we’ll honor the cultural, social, and political achievements of Hispanic Americans.

The evening will feature:
A traditional Hispanic meal
Keynote speaker Aisha Morales from WBAY
A captivating performance by Salsabrositas
Live music from a DJ
Exciting prize drawings

Tickets: $15 per person
Table and student sponsorship opportunities are available.


Each year, 150-200 students, staff, and community members attend Fiesta, making it a lively and enriching event. Your partnership with the Office of Student Inclusion & Belonging will not only celebrate diversity but also directly support the success of multicultural students. We hope to see you there!

More informtation?
If you would like more information about the Hispanic Heritage Celebration, please contact Kristin Espinar at kristin.espinar@snc.edu in the Office of Student Inclusion and Belonging, or email studentinclusion@snc.edu.