NMSU’s Latin American Programs hosted LACumbia Night on Oct. 16 to celebrate the end of Latinx Heritage Month. The evening was filled with vibrant rhythms and the infectious energy of cumbia music. Featured during the event was a live performance by Ciudad Juárez, Mexico’s own Sonido Cachimbo, a group known for engaging performances that bring audiences together through dance and celebration.
The atmosphere at LACumbia Night was electric, with attendees dancing and celebrating in a spirit of unity. Attendees enjoyed delicious Latin American snacks provided by Alma’s Kitchen.
The lead singer of Sonido Cachimbo, Oskar Buendia, highlighted the importance of connecting through music and how music can provide a bridge for cultural divides.
“It’s very important to connect with each other to make this kind of peaceful environment. I think music and these kinds of events. This kind of performance, like cumbia music, Latin music, or whatever art, I think it’s very important to have a neutral space and to make these kinds of reflections about what we are making and how we are making it,” Buendia said.
Rya Martinez, a member of the Latin American Programs and President of NMSU’s Dream Team, expressed her belief that events that celebrate Hispanic culture are crucial in today’s political climate.
“I think it’s very, very important, especially given the political climate of the time, where society has fed this narrative that…Mexicans are criminals, or this and that people are horrible, or whatever. I think it’s important to showcase. Even more, push back with love and joy and show like, ‘Hey, we’re here. We’re not going anywhere. And we have a beautiful culture, and we’re beautiful people.’ So I think it’s very important to celebrate that and showcase that,” Martinez said.
Another member of the Latin American Programs, Matthew Mendoza, stressed the need to celebrate diversity within the Latino community.
“I think [events like this are] absolutely vital. I think that there’s a lot of miscommunications and… we make a monolith out of the Latino community when really it’s as diverse as you can think of it is. And so, celebrating everybody… takes time, and that’s what I think Latino heritage means, and that’s what I think [this event] helps with,” Mendoza said.
This event created a space for people to come together, reflect on the power of cultural expression, and celebrate Latinx identity.
Looking ahead, Lopez expressed hope for LACumbia Night to become an annual tradition, continuing to serve as a unifying and celebratory space for the community.
“I hope that next year, we do this again. We bring the people together. I want students to have a good time [and] to leave here with the resources and information and just a fun night.”
Events like LACumbia Night not only honor diversity but also help bridge gaps, fostering a deeper appreciation of the richness and variety within Latinx heritage. Through events like this, the language of cumbia will continue to resonate, strengthening the bonds between people from all walks of life.
