Fiesta Caliente Engages Students to Help Honor Hispanic Heritage

Photo Credit / ESU Flickr The Student Activity Association brought pinatas, food and music. Photo Credit / ESU Flickr
The Student Activity Association brought pinatas, food and music.
Photo Credit / ESU Flickr Dancing occupied most of the night, either solo, in couples, or a group dance.
Photo Credit / ESU Flickr
Dancing occupied most of the night, either solo, in couples, or a group dance.

By Paige Moran
Contributing Writer

Spanish music was heard all last Friday night, Sept. 23, in the commuter lounge.

Students came from all over ESU’s campus to attended Fiesta Caliente,

“The fiesta was very fun and vibrant,” said Nilda Paduani, president of the Spanish club. “When Spanish people get together it’s a party and we have a good time.”

There was music, dancing, limbo and a piñata.

Even children came to dance and take a swing at the candy-filled donkey.

“The Spanish community is very wide spread,” said Angela Dutan, president of the Latin American Association.

“We are becoming closer with the community with every event we hold.”

Fernando Alcantar, a large presence within the Spanish community, said, “The Spanish community is misunderstood.”

He explained it as being like visiting a new restaurant.

You are hesitant to try new foods because you are unsure if you’ll like it.

The music and glowing lights drew students into the Commuter Lounge. The thump of Reggaetón, Latin pop and Bachata had people running for the dance floor within minutes of arriving.

National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

The month celebrates Latin history, culture and traditions.

The start date aligns with the anniversary of independence for many Latin American countries.

Many campus clubs are honoring Hispanic Heritage month.

For example, The Modern Languages Department is hosting a Latino Film series. The festival, which runs until Oct. 17, features films from a plethora of Latin countries. Free popcorn is also given out at the event.

If you are thinking of getting involved in our ever-growing Spanish community, go and explore.

For more information on how to get involved in Latino Heritage events vist ESU’s website

Email Paige at:
pmoran9@live.esu.edu