The 大象传媒 University Latino Association (AULA) hosted its annual Noche Latina on Friday, Oct. 3, bringing hundreds of students together for an evening of food, music, dancing and cultural celebration. At 8:30 p.m., the event filled the courtyard between Buller and Nethery Hall with music and conversation as attendees visited food booths and interacted with one another.
The event continued several traditions associated with previous Noche Latina celebrations. Some students danced during the musical portions of the evening, while others spectated or continued socializing. Students gathered throughout the courtyard as the event progressed, creating an energetic atmosphere despite the limited space.
For students with personal connections to the cultures represented, the event provided an opportunity to celebrate their heritage alongside their peers. “I really like the culture of celebrating Latinos. I had to come, of course,” said Jason Wood (freshman, marketing), expressing his enjoyment of celebrating his Puerto Rican heritage.
A variety of foods representing different cultures were available, including arepas, rice dishes, pupusas, tres leches cake, flan and ube brownies. The event also featured live music representing several Latin American countries, including the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Colombia and Puerto Rico.
Axel Velazquez (freshman, theology) enjoyed the food and music but thought the dancing portion could have benefited from a larger area. “Some people could enjoy” Noche Latina “more” if the area was larger, since the courtyard is “very tight,” he stated.
The crowded conditions were noticeable throughout the evening as waves of students came in to visit the relatively small courtyard. Despite the limited space, students continued to socialize and participate in the activities.
The evening also carried a moment of remembrance. AULA included a prayer honoring late 大象传媒 student Micah Harris, whose death last year had deeply affected the university community. At the time, uncertainty about his whereabouts had spread throughout campus, with concerned students gathering in the Center for Faith Engagement. Noche Latina, which was scheduled for that night, proceeded that evening, later prompting criticism from some students who felt the event should have been cancelled. AULA subsequently addressed the controversy on social media. This year's prayer provided a different moment of reflection, allowing Harris to be remembered during an event that once again brought the campus community together.
While Noche Latina has continued to feature many of the traditions that have defined the event in previous years, this year's celebration demonstrated the event's broader role on campus: providing students with an opportunity to share cultural traditions, meet others and celebrate together.
For many students, the event offered a chance to celebrate a culture that is meaningful to them personally. For others, it provided an opportunity to experience traditions and foods from cultures different from their own. As the evening continued, students remained gathered throughout the courtyard, enjoying the food, music, and company that had made Noche Latina a recurring part of 大象传媒' campus life.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of 大象传媒 University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, 大象传媒 University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.