Daniela Martinez
Contributing Writer
September does not only bring seasonal beginnings, but also cultural celebration for the Hispanic and Latinx community. Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off on Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 15. During this period, important figures and their contributions, as well as the independence of many Latin American countries are recognized in the United States.
This month-long celebration is filled with parades, festivals, horse dancing, mariachi’s, folkloric dancers, and the cooking of traditional meals.
Dominican University has its own way of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. During this period, flags from all the Latin American countries are hung on the spiral staircase in the Rebecca Crown Library leading from Cyber Café to the third floor. Additionally, on the first floor of Crown, there is a display of popular books written by Hispanic authors in English and Spanish. The pillars lining the first floor also show snapshots of important figures with a summary of who they are and what contributions they’ve made to the community. This display features people such as Frida Kahlo, a Mexican painter; Sammy Sosa, a professional baseball player; and Jennifer Lopez, an American singer born of Puerto Rican immigrants.
Despite its location in the corner of Rebecca Crown, the Hispanic Heritage display is difficult to ignore. The display is surrounded by handmade colorful flowers, a staple of Hispanic culture, and the images of all 33 Latin American flags with their capitals listed.
Mireya Barajas, the student behind the vision, claims her inspiration came from the pride she has for her heritage. Barajas states, “I feel it is important to express your culture and heritage now more than ever”.
Dominican University continues the celebration onto Sept. 29 by taking a bus full of students to the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen. Students were lead on a tour through an exhibition on Mexico’s “Day of the Dead”, celebrated Oct. 31 through Nov. 2.
On Oct. 7, “Una Tarde en la Plaza” will take place in the Parmer Hall Atrium between 4-7 p.m. The festivities will then move to the Lund Auditorium where Sones de Mexico and the folkloric Dance Company of Chicago will host a presentation filled with dances from all regions of Mexico.
martdani@my.dom.edu