Kicking off Hispanic Heritage month with Fiesta on the Mesa

Meritt Drake

El Centro’s 14th annual Fiesta on the Mesa will be held at the Student Union outdoor plaza Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The event takes place one day before the start of Hispanic Heritage Month and is meant to celebrate Hispanic culture and tradition, says Shirena Trujillo Long, the coordinator of El Centro, FLC’s center for Hispanic culture and education.

The main events feature Latin fusion band Servo Y Grupo Fuego, the Ballet Folklorico de Durango and a traditional meal, which is free for all FLC students and staff, Long said.

Servo Y Grupo Fuego will take the stage at 5 p.m., followed by Ballet Folklorico de Durango, who will perform for a half hour. This year the group will feature over 27 dancers, says Long.

To close out the event, FLC alumnus DJ Euphoria will perform, says Long.

“We want to open up for campus and show that we are very colorful and vibrant,” said Deandra Redsteer, a staff member for El Centro. “Like a Hispanic family, there will be a lot of food, a lot of music. We want to bring everyone together and not leave anyone out.”

In this effort to bring everyone together, El Centro has partnered up with the Durango Arts Center and Big Brothers and Sisters, both of which will have activity tables at the event, says Long.

They are expecting around 150 people at the celebration, says J.J. Rabadah, El Centro club member.

Club Del Centro and El Centro de Muchos Colores have been preparing for the event since last semester, says Redsteer.

Rather than just putting on an event for students involved in El Centro, the organization wants to include all students, staff and community members, says Redsteer.

“The Fiesta has different activities for everyone. We are inclusive of everyone and not just Hispanic students or native Spanish speakers,” said El Centro staff member, Sierra Padilla.

Their goal is to educate students on what Hispanic Heritage Month is and what traditions are celebrated during the holiday. The event also aims to show students who El Centro is and the traditions that are important to them year-round, says Long.

“Hispanic culture is something to celebrate every month and every day,” says Long.