Written by Emma Field // Photo provided by Jeff Montgomery
Latin Fest has brought the experience of learning about cultures and traditions to Harding’s campus since its debut in 1996, though it had a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19. Students, faculty and staff looked forward to continuing the tradition of sharing information about their country of origin for the second year since the event’s return.
Latin Fest was held Nov. 2 in the McInteer Rotunda from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and was open to everyone in the Searcy community. Participants were required to purchase a “passport” for $5 to enjoy the festivities of the event, which included traditional meals, costumes, dances and displays from each country. A raffle was held, and eight participants won traditional decorations from the countries represented, which included Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.
Participants in Latin Fest could scan a barcode to vote for which country should win an award in the categories of favorite food, decorations and the people’s choice.
The Walton Scholars helped organize the event and met over the span of many months to prepare this experience for the Harding community.
The proceeds from the event went to two nonprofit organizations: Smiles for Christ, whose funds go to APANJE, a Honduran school for mentally challenged adults and children; and Educating for Life, whose funds go to Manos de Amor in Guatemala.
Junior Ana Melo is one of the Walton Scholars who helped organize this year’s Latin Fest. Melo said she appreciated getting to share the effort the Walton Scholars had put into planning the event throughout the semester.
“I love that people are accepting of our culture and welcoming,” Melo said. “The visitors are one of my favorite parts of Latin Fest too. Everyone is so curious and in the spirit of celebration with us.”
Junior Emy Martinez is another Walton Scholar student who helped Latin Fest come to fruition this year.
“There are so many parts in making Latin Fest happen,” Martinez said. “We have to get the permissions we need to be there, request tables, make the passports, audio, equipment, advertisements. It’s all Walton work, and the entire community gets together to plan it. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.”
Both Melo and Martinez stressed the importance of learning about Latin cultures and said they were excited to share their cultures with others. Melo said Latin Fest provides a life-changing cultural experience. Martinez said they had been looking forward to seeing everyone united.
“We want to show our love for our countries,” Martinez said.
In an Instagram post by Smiles for Christ, President Mike Williams encouraged students to attend Latin Fest.
“Lisa and I had a wonderful opportunity this summer to go for the first time to Central America and came firsthand to see the wonderful culture and the people, and we want you to have exposure to this rich part of the Harding nature here on our campus,” Williams said.
