Saddleback kicks off hispanic heritage month with culture, food and music

Ballet Folkorito performed by second and third graders at the College Center Quad Latinx Event. Fairoz Saleh | Lariat

Saddleback College launched Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month on Sept. 16 with an afternoon full of music, food, games and, of course, plenty of opportunities for students to celebrate their heritage.

The Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month Kickoff took place on the Quad from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. as part of Bobcat Days. The event was sponsored by Student Life and College Equity.

Students experienced different parts of Hispanic and Latin American culture throughout the afternoon. The event featured a performance by Ballet Folklorico, live music from Tabu and a game of Lotería (bingo), giving students a chance to hang out while learning more about the cultures being celebrated.

And, yes, there was food!

Tacos were available to students who checked in with a success coach and received a food ticket. The food was one of several ways the event encouraged students to stop by, stay awhile and connect with others on campus.

Another part of the event was a heritage wall organized by the Associated Student Government’s International and Diversity Student Council. Students used sticky notes to write words, phrases or special memories connected to their heritage and add them to the wall.

While the event focused on Hispanic and Latinx culture, it was also designed to connect students with campus resources.

Bobcat Days allowed first-year students to learn more about their school, major and degree, meet with counseling and success coaching, sign up for Handshake and discover ways to get involved with Student Life.

Second-year students could also explore transfer and graduation resources, application deadlines, career opportunities, internships and research opportunities. 

For students still figuring out where they fit into college life, events like the kickoff offered a chance to do more than simply attend class.

Between the music, food, games and student activities, the Quad became a place where students could celebrate where they came from while also learning more about where they are going.

Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, giving students plenty of time to continue celebrating Hispanic and Latinx culture both on and off campus! Stay up to date with up and coming events via Saddleback College website or Instagram.

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