Heritage celebration, food, dancing, games

The Hispanic and Latino Heritage Celebration will enliven the Student Union from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

There will be cultural dances performed by SEED (Scholarship for Education and Economic Development) students at MHCC with Caribbean ties or connections with indigenous groups such as the Mayans and Aztecs.

Diana Ramirez, event coordinator and SAB multicultural programs coordinator, said the event is focused on dance, because when she thinks of Hispanic heritage, dance comes first.

Those who attend will have the chance to learn several styles of dance, such as salsa, and to compete for audience votes in order to win a prize.

Students also may pin where they are from (their heritage) on a map when they enter the event.

Refreshments will be offered, including typical Hispanic food.

“I just want students to learn something,” Ramirez said.

A station will be set up for trivia and tables to represent SEED students’ home countries with crafts and information. The Latino-based MeCHA and the new Diversity Resource Center also will have tables.

Ramirez encourages people of all cultural backgrounds to attend, to increase their knowledge of other cultures, as well as her own.

This event is free for students with valid student I.D. and staff, and is $3 for guests.