On Saturday night, the Hispanic Latinx Forum (HLF) hosted a dinner for the school in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15. The event aims to raise awareness in the Choate community of Hispanic and Latino cultures through food, music, and dance.
Probably the most important aspect of the event was the food. SAGE served a variety of dishes from Spain, Peru, Cuba, and other Hispanic and Latino countries. Although many students were happy with the quality of food, some, like Richard Lopez ’18, a student of Mexican descent, were not completely satisfied: “I feel like we did not do justice to what Hispanic heritage is, because while the food that’s being given out is good food, it’s what we already use for the dining hall. It’s not actual Hispanic or Latino food.” Yet, Lopez was happy that the event simply took place. He said, “It’s a good step forward, because we’re actually helping people encounter this kind of heritage.”
Music also played a role in dinner. HLF president Mirialie De Jesus ’18, who is Colombian and part Puerto Rican, helped create a playlist to accompany the dinner. She made sure to include songs she and other members of HLF listen to regularly and form an integral part of their cultures.
Several students danced during the event. “They were teaching some of the kids who didn’t know how to dance. It was sort of an impromptu thing,” said De Jesus.
Within the Hispanic and Latino culture, there are a variety of subcultures. Sarah Gelbach ’17, who identifies with the culture of Panama, said that Hispanic and Latin American culture “is very vibrant and very diverse. There are Hispanic people of all colors and all sizes.”
As a result, the ways in which Hispanics and Latinos celebrate their cultures vary as well. For Lopez, the most important aspect is the sense of community when his family celebrates a birthday. “Even the neighbors can participate in the festivities, because you cannot have a birthday party without everyone,” Lopez said. He added, “That’s what I define as Hispanic heritage — the feeling of having family and friends around you.”
Of course, ethnic food also plays a great role. Sabastian Chacon ’19, who identifies with the cultures of Mexico and El Salvador, said, “Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, my grandma whips up a bunch of Mexican food, like tamales, horchata, frijoles, and pozole.”
Many Hispanic and Latino students also celebrate their identities through holidays unique to their cultures. For example, Ollin Mendoza ’19 celebrates The Day of the Dead, a Mexican cultural festival to commemorate deceased relatives and friends. Gelbach celebrates Three Kings Day, a holiday in January to remember the Magi who visited the infant Jesus in the Christian tradition. Gelbach also celebrates two Mother’s Days: one in Panama, another in the United States.
Overall, the Choate community was very receptive to the event. “I wanted to spread the word of Hispanic Heritage Month,” said De Jesus, “because not many people know it exists.” There are many students at Choate who identify as Hispanic or Latino culturally. Gradually, through efforts such as those of HLF, this community is taking steps to honor their cultures.
