Latinx Heritage Month Comes Alive at the CHC Latin Rhythms Social

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Latin music filled the CHCRC Concourse, while guests danced together with their friends, or even with someone entirely new. Photo by Austin Lee

After nearly a week of cold winds and cloudy skies, the Honors community was greeted by warm, beautiful weather as they gathered to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month at the annual CHC Latin Rhythms Social. Held just last Friday at the Commonwealth Honors College Residential Community (CHCRC) concourse, a set of classic Latin music undertoned both students and faculty alike dancing, making crafts, and enjoying the free food and colorful bags of candies provided. 

Founded by Dean Mari Castañeda, the event had been part of a college-wide initiative she’d launched on the importance of both community and fostering a culture of care. In speaking with students, many feel that the Social — now in its fourth year of being held — continues to do just that.

“Latin Americans are finally able to express themselves here in this amazing spot on campus,” said Rafi, a CHC student. “I think it’s really cool.”

Attendees took part in dance lessons as the music played; Photo by Lily Attias-Inzano

“I think my favorite part about the social is that everyone in the community on campus can come together, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Angel, another attendee. “It celebrates us as students, and as a community.”

The event kicked off with some free dance lessons held in the CHC Events Hall, though invited DJ and record collective Peace and Rhythm made sure to keep the energy up on the concourse as well, with a whole set of well-loved Latin tracks — almost all played on authentic vintage vinyl. 

“Right now I'm playing some bachata, but we'll also be playing salsa, cumbia, merengue, cha-cha-cha, reggaeton, and other styles of Latin music,” said DJ Studebaker Hawk of Peace and Rhythm.

Peace & Rhythm the DJ collective played classic latin music at the event; Photo by Lily Attias-Inzano

Dance lessons taught outside brought many people out to the floor as well, with salsa done to El Cantante by Héctor Lavoe, the merengue done to Suavemente by Elvis Crespo, and the bachata done to El Perdedor by Aventura — the last of which was led by a group of students. With how some of these dances involve partners, people could dance together with their friends, or even have fun with someone entirely new. 

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Guests enjoyed churros and other delicious snacks. Photo by Austin Lee

In addition to music and dancing, the event also provided free food to all attendees, along with colorful bags teeming with candy from all across Central and South America. With Serenata de Amor from Argentina, De La Rosa Mazapan from Mexico, Sonho de Valsa from Brazil, and so much more, there was something for everyone to enjoy. 

If they weren’t enjoying their complimentary churros or learning the steps to a proper salsa, students could also be found painting their own Talavera Tiles — based on a traditional handmade pottery art that originated in Mexico. 

Guests enjoyed painting their own Talavera Tiles. Photo by Austin Lee

After two jam-packed hours, the event eventually drew to a close, with the music and festivities winding down alongside the setting sun. 

If you missed the social this year, not to worry! With everything it brings to the community, it will be sure to return next fall — but the Honors College still has a variety of events and programming ready to go for the rest of the semester, and even the rest of the school year!

Check out our Events page for a full list of everything we’ve got planned, or keep an eye on any of our social media accounts for any future announcements. It’s always good to take some time to de-stress, and you never know what sort of community you may find!