Written by Marley Anthony, Assistant Editor

On Friday, September 19, the Hispanic Student Association and Kingdom Diversity put on the 10th annual Latino Festival at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. This year, the festival offered multiple vendors from both community and student businesses, worship, and multiple styles of dance from different Spanish speaking countries. 

The festival opened with UMHB students from the HSA introducing the evening, giving the itinerary of the festival, and sharing the fun vendors and events the festival had to offer, including face painting, photo booths, and pinatas. After introduction, the HSA announced all the Spanish speaking countries, such as Argentina, Mexico, and Cuba, and their flags were walked across the stage. 

Religion was a part of the festival in multiple ways. The HSA students prayed over the festival, in both Spanish and English. The first event to take place on the stage was the HSA leading the festival in worship fully in Spanish, followed by a devotional in Spanish with English translations.  

“It’s a way to grow in our spiritual life while connecting to our culture, connecting to our language, and connecting to our faith,” Dr. Karla Gonzalez, the founder of the Hispanic Student Association, said.  

Folklorico is different styles of traditional Mexican folk dances which feature unique choreography and outfits which express the cultures of different regions. Dance was a large part of the festival, as it featured multiple dances which included Faldeo, women gracefully moving their large skirts, and Zapateado, elaborate and rapid footwork. These dances help the community connect and come together to preserve tradition and remember their heritage. 

While the folkloric dancers were taking the stage, vendors were lined up down the street selling foods and drinks from Spanish speaking countries. Drinks such as aqua frescas and horchata were sold by local businesses, and small student-owned businesses offered items such as jewelry. 

“The local members of the community can participate in the celebration because we’re very happy that UMHB values and honors the diversity in their students,” Gonzalez said. 

The Latino Festival happens at UMHB annually and is open for anyone to attend. For more information on the Hispanic Student Association, visit their Instagram, @umhb.hsa.