H-F’s second annual Hispanic Heritage event took place on Oct. 14. The Spanish National Honor Society (SNHS) has headed the “Noche Cultural” event for the past two years, bringing together the community with music, food and poetry.
Hispanic Heritage Month spans across mid-September to October, with seven Hispanic independence days taking place throughout the month. Since its conception in 1988, Hispanic Heritage events have continued to grow throughout the country.
SNHS sponsor Ashley Mazzola worked with Assistant Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Equity, Catherine Ross-Cook, to put on the event for the community. One of the main reasons Mazzola worked to put this event together was to bring together the Latino community at H-F. “I think that we have to give a space for our Latino students to shine,” Mazzola explained, “[It’s important] for them to feel uplifted and celebrated, and for their communities to also feel valued.” Ross-Cook and Mazzola made sure to represent important aspects of Hispanic culture throughout the event.
SNHS worked with culinary students, the guitar class and other students around the school to make this event a success. Students Angel Fernandez, Adam Medrano and Adrian Lopez performed at the event with their group Dimension Tercera. “We spent a couple days in and outside of school practicing,” Fernandez said, “[We wanted] to make sure everyone had a nice, fun time.”
Fernandez explained how music plays an important role in Hispanic Heritage. “[Music] is the way we express ourselves,” Fernandez said. “If you’re paying attention to global music, right now [Mexican music] is taking over.”
“Noche Cultural” also held a student panel, where Latino students were asked about their experiences, and how they view their identity. They answered questions comparing family traditions and what it means to be a part of the Hispanic community.
Mazzola and Ross-Cook made sure guests were well-fed with food made by H-F’s culinary students. The class prepared a wide variety of foods including carnitas and plantains to be served at the event.
Throughout the event, students and families listened to a mix of different kinds of music and dancing. They also participated in two dances led by Mazzola, including the Payaso de Rodeo and the Bomba.
Mazzola hopes to continue this tradition throughout the years and encourages all students and staff to attend. “This event is not just for Latinos,” Mazzola explained. “This is something that is showcasing our Latino population at H-F, but it’s something for everyone to enjoy.”