Written by Emma Weber and Emma Jones // Graphic by Cooper Turman
Latin Fest, a time for cultural exchange between students, took place Thursday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the McInteer Rotunda. The students involved in organizing the event highlighted the countries they are from and shared their traditions with the student body. Latin Fest is a tradition that has been practiced for decades. However, due to COVID-19, it had a three-year hiatus. Its return was marked by excitement and rich entertainment.
“Since the 1980s, Walton Scholars have hosted the event that showcases the histories and cultures of their home countries — the seven countries of Central America and also Mexico,” Dr. David Collins, dean of Intercultural Education and the director of the Walton Scholar Program, said.
Stands with information, cultural presentations, traditional food and dances performed by the Walton Scholars culminated to provide a look into the importance of each culture of their home countries.
“Harding is a very special place in that we have students from more than 50 countries and territories on campus,” Collins said. “Very few people will ever visit that many countries, but we have a unique opportunity here where the world comes together. We can get to know God’s people from all over his world and learn about life in their home countries. Latin Fest is a great place where this can happen.”
“Passports” to the event were sold for $5, and all money raised from the sales were donated to helping children with special needs in Guatemala and Honduras. Buying a passport allowed students to visit each of the country’s stands, try samples of traditional foods and participate in a raffle for a gift from each of the eight countries, according to senior Walton Scholar Aurelio Coxaj. People could also vote for their favorite country, and a winner was selected from the student votes.
“It’s very important for all of us,” senior Walton Scholar Sabrina Sanchez, a participant in the event, said. “Every country puts a lot of effort and time on this project so people can hear and know more about our countries. We get really happy when we get to share it.”
Coxaj also said the event was an important one to many of the Walton Scholars.
“Being able to share [our] culture makes us feel proud and at home,” Coxaj said. “What makes it even better is the feeling of knowing that we can give back … by helping kids in Guatemala and Honduras.”
