On Sept.18, the Pan American Center welcomed Cumbia Night II. Opening with music performances by Frontera Bugalú, an El Paso cumbia band, and spotlighting Mexican singer Jacqie Rivera.
Their music brought many people to both dance on the main floor and listen on the bleachers. Many NMSU students were present to take part in the celebration of Latin Heritage Month.
The event was presented by ASNMSU, Student Involvement and Leadership Programs, and Latin American Programs as a kickoff to the celebration of Latin Heritage Month.
“This month, we are recognizing Latinx cultures,” Vice President for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity at NMSU Maria Linda Scholz said. “It’s about celebrating the voices, the stories, and the achievements of Latinx individuals.”
Director of activities at ASMSU, Matthew Raygoza, said hosting Rivera’s concert was an exciting part of the Latinx Hispanic celebration for him.
“I take a lot of pride in these types of events, more so because I am a first-generation student, and it does mean a lot to me,” Raygoza said. “Seeing that my background and my culture are here performing because of something that I was able to bring to campus.”
To kick off Rivera’s performance, Raygoza welcomed her on stage. Giving an engaging performance, Rivera took the time to talk about her songs and gave personal anecdotes about her family. She talked about her experience with cumbias growing up, sharing how she learned to dance cumbia as a kid from her mom, teaching her to dance in the garage.
During her performance, Jacqie led a ‘Grito’ with the audience in honor of El Día de Independencia (Mexican Independence Day). A Grito is a traditional Mexican shout used to express strong emotions of pride or joy.
The concert came to an end with Jacqie Rivera covering one of her mother’s songs, “No Llega el Olvido.”
Many students and community members attended the event to dance and listen to music. Dacia Ornelas, an animal science major and first-generation college student, said attending events like these, which celebrate her heritage, raises awareness for the importance of cultural representation and inclusivity.
“I think it’s also comforting [for my parents] to know that our school is still pushing to make an inclusive space for us,” Ornelas said.
The planning and execution of events for the Latin Heritage Month plan will focus on cultural education and community engagement. The Latin American Programs’ goal for these celebrations is to create opportunities for student clubs, scholarships, and community engagement.
Claudia Gonzalez Astorga, Student Program Coordinator for Latin American Programs, often remarked, “The fiesta is with us.” She said all events like these provide educational information for students and the Aggie community, welcoming all to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month.
Future events for the month’s celebration include a luchador event with food trucks and other activities, open only to students.
ASMSU is also organizing a week of events to come in Oct., including a paleta bar, Hispanic heritage shirt giveaway, and Latin-inspired Build-A-Bears. The initiative aims to promote Latin culture on campus.
