By Joshua Christian and Matthew Ventura, Student Journalists

(Richmond, California) – As the vibrant green leaves of summer start to fade, new autumn leaves begin to emerge with the arrival of October and the approach of Halloween. However, in the Salesian high school community this past month, something else took shape: the Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15th to October 15th. This month-long celebration began as a one-week event in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1988, it was extended to a full month. The dates were chosen to coincide with the independence days of several countries, including Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.

Salesian’s Latino Club took charge of immersing the Salesian community into a cultural celebration this year. The primary goals of the Latino Club are “to create a space where everybody feels welcome” and “to celebrate Latino culture and community,” and thus the aim of the Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly. 

The assembly was kickstarted with these goals, and then transitioned into the first segment, which highlighted the significance of sombreros and botas in Hispanic culture. These items are celebrated as symbols of “national identity, culture, pride, and tradition.” It was explained that sombreros originally served a practical purpose by providing protection from the sun and eventually evolved into an important cultural icon. To complement this segment, students participated in an activity where they guessed the countries of origin for various sombreros. Latino Club Presidents Dulce Rodriguez and Gabriela Rosa rewarded those who answered correctly with candies.

Around six or seven Salesian students showcased their awesome skills in a dance known as zapateado. Zapateado, which means “tapping with a shoe,” is a rhythmic and fast-footed stomping dance, that is popular in Mexico, Argentina, Peru, and many other countries.

And with that, the assembly segued into its main part: Salesian’s first official quinceañera red carpet parade. Female students walked to the center of the gym wearing traditional quinceañera dresses, in a myriad of beautiful colors and designs, some accompanied by male student dancers called chambelanes. The quinceañera is an important experience for many in Hispanic communities and is celebrated on a young woman’s 15th birthday, representing the transition from childhood to womanhood. During the event, two models showed a snippet of their actual quinceañera waltz, performing a part of their dance routine with their main chambelan. 

Following the stunning display of Hispanic culture and liberty, a “Guess the Song” activity took place, where Hispanic songs were played for the entire school to identify. The lineup included songs such as “La Vida es un Carnaval” by Celia Cruz and “Give Me Everything” by Pitbull. To conclude the assembly, students from the Latino club, dressed in sombreros and botas, formed a circle in the middle of the gym to showcase the traditional dance, La Iguana.

The celebration of independence days from various countries is a meaningful and enjoyable experience, celebrated annually at Salesian. This celebration continues to flourish with its numerous activities and joyful cultural expressions.  

Joshua Christian and Matthew Ventura are sudent journalists for “The Red and Black” student newsletter at Salesian College Preparatory.

Photos taken by Aeson Cuevas (@aesons.flicks)

Editora: Judy Alvarez