Students celebrate Mexican Independence Day
Published: Monday, September 17, 2012
Updated: Monday, September 17, 2012 02:09
 "Photo: Juanita Ulloa, a doctoral student in opera and vocal performance in the school of music, is singing")
Juanita Ulloa, a doctoral student in opera and vocal performance in the school of music, is singing
Spencer Duncan
Latin culture at UNC was on display Friday as the Cesar Chavez Culture Center hosted its annual 16th of September Celebration.
The Patton House was filled with live music from local Latin bands as guest singers sang the national anthem. UNC Student Radio was also on hand to provide entertainment.
The music consisted of up-beat tunes which involved the crowd in salsa dancing. A local Mariachi band also gave the crowd a good show and feel for authentic Latin culture.
The celebration also provided free food consisting of traditional tortillas, various meats, green chili and tortilla chips.
“It’s not just about the food or the music,” said Marisol Jurado. “This celebration is about our independence. We all come together and just celebrate how far we’ve come, and it’s always a good time celebrating your history.”
The celebration was very much full of culture as everyone in attendance joined together for a traditional Mexican scream.
“My grandparents are the ones that introduced the rest of my family to the scream, and it’s something that we do all the time,” said Janay Harris. “It’s just something that has been a part of my life. It’s history.”
The Latin Greek Life organizations represented their fraternities and sororities by educating the students on their organizations’ missions. Some of the sororities and fraternities even gave the crowd a show by strolling, which is when the respected members of a fraternity or sorority get into a line and dance showing off their Greek Life moves.
The event catered to all attendees, regardless of background.
“We support each other in all aspects” said AJ Moosa, who was in charge of the Marcus Garvey table at the celebration. “We just want people to get involved and know that ethnic backgrounds don’t matter. We should always be able to come together, learn about one another and just have fun.”
Other Latin clubs were also in attendance trying to get students involved and enjoying everything the festival had to offer.
“I enjoyed myself very much, and I would like to come again next year,” said Jami Murphy.
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