The Hispanic Heritage month celebration took place September 28, as part of a three- stage event run by Associated Students (AS) for Hispanic students at Rio Hondo College. Hispanic Heritage month, spanning from September 15th to October 15th,  celebrates contributions from Latin cultures. It also recognizes each Latin nation’s days of independence.

The “Let’s Celebrate” festival in the lower quad, is the final stage of this event, that is preceded  by “Let’s Talk”, and “Let’s See. “Let’s Talk” is where Hispanic students gather in the student union building to discuss anything that pertains to being a Hispanic student. “Let’s See” is different from the first stage because it gathers students to the same building to watch the film Frida by Julie Taymor.

The festival had food from different Hispanic cultures. Everything from Mexican food to Brazilian delicacies were available for purchase throughout the walkway. Students of all kinds could be seen walking around, engaging in conversation with various clubs, and buying traditional food like churros.

“We are doing this for students and to raise awareness for Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Claira Jacobo, Senator Chair of Cultural Diversity of Associated Students.

“This event is good because it raises awareness for our club, and we are into helping the community,” said secretary of the Pre- Law Society, Brandon Mendoza.

“The entertainment is good, and the event is awesome and pretty cool,” said medical field major student Andy Sandoval. His enthusiasm for the event could be seen clear as day, since he had a Hispanic style skull painted on his face.

“It is a good event to address cultural diversion,” stated Teresa Gutierrez a first year anthropology major student.