Every year, when the Andrews University Campus announces Hispanic Heritage Month, there is one event that most students look forward to more than all the rest. The long-awaited event “Noche Latina” finally took place last Saturday night, serving as the grand finale to a wonderful month celebrating Hispanic culture. Although Hispanic Heritage Month officially ended on October 15, the Andrews University Latina Association (AULA) extended it a few days by hosting Noche Latina on October 21 so everyone could join the fun.
The event took place in the courtyard area between Buller and Nethery Hall. AULA’s team did a great job transforming the space into a magical scene. Lights were strung up outside, crisscrossing above the sidewalks and shining over the heads of eventgoers. The courtyard was packed with people, indicating a good turnout of attendees. The crowd created a sea of colors from the mix of casual wear, dressy outfits, and cultural costumes that individuals wore. Several booths sold food such as empanadas, flan, and pão de queijo. There were also drinks, including Jarritos and Guaraná. In the background, music played as students and community members alike socialized and enjoyed the good food. After people had explored the booths for some time, the entertainment began with live music in both Spanish and Portuguese. Following the live performances, there were party games. Individuals could choose to participate or simply watch as their friends competed to see who would win limbo and answer the question, “how low can you go?” The rounds grew intense as the bar moved lower and lower, but a few talented souls still remained in the competition. Meanwhile, onlookers watched in wonder, questioning how the finalists could physically manage to duck under such a low object. Finally, a winner emerged, and everyone moved their attention to the 2 rounds of musical chairs that followed. Once again, many students participated in this classic while others remained in the crowd, ready to cheer their friends on. The last item on the agenda, after the musical chairs, allowed more people to participate at the same time. For the grand finale of the event, partygoers were taught the basics of salsa and bachata, two of many dance styles that stem from Latin culture. The instruction finished right on time, as a few minutes after people were released to practice salsa or bachata on their own, rain began to fall from the sky. It had first started during the previous activity as a very light drizzle, but by the time students were salsaing across the plaza, it began to rain harder. This finally forced students to say buenas noches and go their separate ways. Thankfully, the downpour held off until near the end of the event, allowing attendees to enjoy a pleasant evening undisturbed by rain.
Overall, attendees appeared to enjoy themselves, and the event was a success. AULA once again fulfilled expectations by hosting an entertaining and informative event. We cannot wait to see what they have in store for the remainder of the school year.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.