JAMES LILLIN
Staff Writer
On Nov. 3, Latinos Unidos held their popular La Fiesta event, a yearly celebration of Hispanic culture capping off an already packed semester that included not only popular events like La Tomatina, but almost a dozen other events for Hispanic History Month.
“Last year’s theme was ‘The Night of The Stars,’ la noche de las estrellas,” said junior international studies major Geraldo Celeste, “celebrating the people who came and wanting people to be stars. We had singing, dancing, everything to celebrate the people of Fredonia and what makes them stars.”
This year, however, the Multipurpose Room in the Williams Center was filled with formal black dresses and suits, accentuated by the stylish masks covering every face in the room.
“I decided to do the masquerade thing because I wanted to emphasize how people hide themselves and who they want to be,” said audio/radio production major Destiny Martinez, “and give people a night to express who they are and want to be.”
The night began with a speech by senior audio/radio production major Kanard Lewis, emphasizing the importance of the event, as well as hitting more philosophical notes.
“I talked about happiness, and the difference between being happy and happiness,” said Lewis. “There’s a difference between a look on your face and an internalized sense of happiness in yourself. I always say we have a little spice or sass, something that makes us us. Everyone has a different blend.”
Lewis’ speech was well-received and made a clear impact on the atmosphere of the party.
“I think the pep talk was something we all needed. It was something to remind us that we all come from beautiful pieces and have beautiful things to share with the world,” said senior acting and psychology major Casterline Villar.
Spice certainly was a central theme of the night, with piles of authentic, high-quality Hispanic cuisine covering every table. Although it was served by FSA, it was provided by a local restaurant, La Luna in Dunkirk.
“We used to have a different caterer, but we changed because this was both a little cheaper but also really great quality,” said Lewis, “and it helps that it’s a local, Hispanic-owned business, which we always want to be supporting.”
Although attendees at the packed event could be heard debating whether the rice, beans and pork dish was better than the beef empanadas, there was no contention over whether or not the event achieved its goal.
“It really showed that Latin culture is not just one culture, or one country or island. It’s a whole bunch of them,” said psychology and social work major Kasey Felix. “It’s also a good reminder that it’s [celebrating] not just Latin culture, but Latin American, so it was modern and tasteful.”
Bringing home the night was the music that was a blend of modern and classical tunes that brought a bevy of dancing styles to the MPR, from modern dancehall songs to traditional salsa.
“It reminds me of home and of songs that my Mom plays when it’s a Sunday and we’re just cleaning the house,” said Villar, “or of Thanksgiving and Christmas, where we’d be eating all day, and no matter how full we were, the moment the music went on we’d all be getting up and dancing, just like tonight.”
Although this year’s La Fiesta stood on it’s own as a celebration of food, music and culture, it seems that the comfort and nostalgia it provides homesick students may be the main reason so many attend year after year.
“I love coming and indulging in Hispanic cultures again and again,” said Villar, “especially after being away from home so long.”