Moriah Mason / Staff Writer
National Hispanic Heritage Month began on Sept. 15. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Samford’s Latino Student Organization has events planned during the month.
According to The Library of Congress, Hispanic Heritage Month is about celebrating different Hispanic traditions and cultures.
“Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America,” per the Library.
However, Hispanic Heritage Month is not only significant because of the celebration of other cultures, but also for the other Hispanic holidays that are celebrated during the 30-day period.
According to the Library of Congress’ website, Hispanic Heritage Month falls on the anniversaries of independence for Latin American countries, including Costa Rica and Guatemala, as well as Columbus Day.
In honor of Hispanic heritage, the Latino Student Organization and the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives, are having several events to celebrate Hispanic Heritage.
Mia Banuelos, president of the Latino Student Organization, discussed some events that LSO would be having in honor of this month.
On Sept. 18 the organization had an event to kickoff the month. The event included different Hispanic games and activities for students to play and learn about the culture.
The organization also plans to attend Fiesta Birmingham with the Diversity Office.
“Fiesta Birmingham is a huge, cultural festival, where people are able to eat, dance, and listen to music,” Banuelos said.
The festival will be located at Linn Park from noon until 8 p.m. on Sept. 28. Tickets for this event are $10.
To purchase a ticket for this event, visit https://fiestabham.com
According to Banuelos, LSO plans to do a panel discussion where students can learn more about Hispanic heritage and other cultures.
“The panel would discuss diversity at Samford and ways to bring awareness to other cultures,” Banuelos said.
The Office of Diversity will have a Friday Fiesta in Ben Brown from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 4. They also plan to show the documentary “Immigrant High” in Brock Forum at 3 p.m. on Oct. 9
For more information about the events that the Office of Diversity is having, visit www.samford.edu/go/diversity.
