'Festividad de Libertad' celebrates Hispanic culture

September 19, 2005 —

by Ashley Hart

One of the youngest members of the Xochiquetzal dance group gets the finishing touches on her make-up before performing at the Festival de Libertad Hispanic Independance Celebration. The group is a non-profit organization compiled of dancers ages 5-26 to keep the Mexican heritage alive.

SVSU celebrated Hispanic independence and Hispanic Heritage Month Friday with Festividad de Libertad: Hispanic Independence Festival.

The event was supposed to take place in the Courtyard, but was moved to the Student Center and Multi-purpose room due to inclement weather.

Even though this was the first year for the Festividad de Libertad and the location was changed, it was an overall success, said Jennifer Jackson, assistant director of Student Life and the Hispanic Heritage Chair.

"For the first time putting this event on, it's an overall success," she said. "I'm excited."

Mike Simon, director of Student Life, agreed.

"It's a challenge to move to a different location, but we have the support of the Hispanic community," he said. "I am very pleased."

The Multi-purpose room was packed with people of all races, not just Hispanics.

"We need to explore and educate the campus about other cultures," Jackson said. "This event also gives our Hispanic community on campus a chance to celebrate their culture."

The band Generaciones provided live music for people to dance to. Sigma Lambda Gamma provided a kids' room, where they could do crafts and stay occupied. Many kids played with the maracas they had made at the event.

Vendors lined the hallway in the Student Center selling artwork, books, and different food. Some vendors were selling food with the proceeds going to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

There was also a performance from a kids dance group, Xochiquetzal.

The kids performing ranged in age from five years old to high school students. They dressed in costumes that represented a state in Mexico, and performed a traditional dance from that state.

One of the things that the dance group wanted to accomplish was to inform everyone that Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's independence day, but that September 16 is.

There was standing room only in the Multi-purpose room to watch the performance of the group. They finished with the official dance of Mexico, the hat dance. After the performance the group cleared the stage to a standing ovation.

Carlos Ramet, executive assistant to the president, provided a brief history of the Grito de Dolores and Hispanic Independence.

After the festival Sigma Lambda Gamma hosted a dance in the Courtyard with live music from 10 to 1:30 a.m.

Generations of families were at the Festival; grandparents were dancing with their grandchildren to the live music.

The activities were only part of the point of the Festival, Simon said.

"We need to understand other cultures as well," he said. "Hispanics should celebrate their culture and traditions. Plus, I think it's fun. I love putting these type of events on."