SPC celebrates Hispanic Heritage

Photo courtesy of Megan Tait

Laura Gonzalez // Entertainment Director

With more than half of the Miami population being Hispanic or Latino, FIU is never far behind in events that showcase the diverse group of students that attend.

The University is currently gearing up for Hispanic Heritage Month, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, by having a month full of events that bring awareness to and celebrates the multi-ethnic aspect of the University.

The Student Programming Council started celebrations early, in the beginning of September, and they will continue until Sept. 25.

On Monday, Sept. 14, they held a Hispanic Heritage Pit Event in the GC pit., in which they gave out food and SPC merchandise to promote upcoming hispanic heritage events.

“SPC is responsible for making these events and what we wanted to do today was bring a mix of cultures with decorations and food,” said Andres Macias, one of the SPC directors in charge.

When asked about the importance of events that celebrate hispanic and latino culture in universities he said, “Even though we’re technically a minority, at FIU, since we’re an international school,  we’re a majority. It’s about making the hispanic community feel respected.”

Leilah Collazo, 20, junior psychology major shared  similar sentiments regarding the event.

“Events like these create awareness about the diversity that we have not just in South Florida, but also within FIU,” she said.

The event featured a decoration table filled with straw hats and guitars, a concession table with food like pastelitos, finger sandwiches and croquettes. Across from it was a table filled with SPC merchandise where students could choose from mugs, shirts, water bottles and notepads that had the SPC logo on them as well as Hispanic Heritage and the events that were planned.

Neysmarie Rodriguez, junior biology major said, “ Events like these are definitely important as they appeal to more cultures. Plus, the food helps!”

SPC’s event prior to this was a comedy show on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Two more events are planned for the month: Noche Latina on Wednesday, Sept. 22 in the GC ballrooms at 5:30 p.m. and SPC Movie Night “Instructions not Included” on Friday, Sept. 25.

“Students can expect a lot on Noche Latina,” said Macias, “It’s a more interactive experience. We’re going to have food, a do it yourself maraca station that students can take home with them, a live band, dancing and artists that will draw student’s names.”