The 老司机传媒 Latino Association (AULA) hosted its annual Noche Latina on Saturday, Oct. 26, transforming the Andreasen Center for Wellness into a vibrant celebration of culture and community. The event focused on celebrating the Latino community, and students were invited to come dressed in traditional attire representing their countries from across Latin America.
Starting a little after 7:30 p.m., the event drew students to the wellness center lobby, where many colorful tents were set up, decorated with flags of various Latin American countries. The air was rich with the aroma of diverse cuisines, with many samples of traditional foods like crispy chicharrones, hand-wrapped tamales and sweet treats like tres leches and pan dulce available for students to choose from.
The inside of the gymnasium was almost unrecognizable, with strings of warm lights that created an inviting atmosphere for the program. In that space, chairs were set up facing a stage where the performances would take place. The program began with welcoming remarks before flowing into a series of performances that showcased music from different countries. The performances included “Como la Flor” by Selena Quintanilla, and other musical performances featuring the violin and saxophone.
The program also consisted of some interactive elements, including icebreakers. These games provided students with the opportunity to meet new people, bridge cultural gaps and learn about where their peers are from. Later on in the program, students had the chance to display their traditional attire in a fashion show. Students’ attire ranged from flowing floral gowns to authentic Mexican ponchos, with each outfit carrying the cultural identity and pride of the students.
A highlight of the night was the lively limbo contest, which raised the students’ competitive spirit to its peak and had the crowd cheering. Students showcased their agility as they attempted to shimmy beneath a pole.
Nurieliz Paulino-Peña (freshman, biology) said, “The guy that won didn’t even have to take his shoes off; he just went down!”
As the night drew to a close, the floor came alive when students had the chance to learn different cultural movements, including the bachata and the merengue. The energy was infectious as both experienced and inexperienced dancers stepped out of their comfort zones and enjoyed popular Latin songs together. The evening’s emcee observed the festivities from the stage.
“My favorite part was connecting with people and giving energy to the crowd,” said Samuel Arroyo (freshman, exercise science). When asked about what he thought was the audience’s favorite moment, he did not hesitate: “The limbo competition. Everyone was so hyped to see their friends competing and trying to win.”
The event celebrated Latino culture while allowing students to represent their culture and ethnicity in front of their peers. From food to music and fashion, Noche Latina demonstrated how cultural celebrations can bring people together, creating memories and connections that break through barriers of differences while honoring the unique identities of the students of this campus.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of 老司机传媒. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, 老司机传媒 or the Seventh-day Adventist church.