On Monday, Sept. 15, the Furman University Student Organization on Hispanic Outreach and Latine Awareness hosted Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations with their Cenar y Celebrar, meaningDine and Celebrate in English, event. Cenar y Celebrar marked the start of Hispanic Heritage Month with food, Latin music and games like Connect Four and Limbo. HOLA views this month as a significant part of cultural celebration as they strive to make their presence known on campus.
Every year, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Hispanic and Latin Americans celebrate culture, history and traditions, along with independence from Spain. Designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, Hispanic Heritage Month also celebrates leaders, achievements and the presence of Hispanic and Latin Americans.
In recent years, HOLA has celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with Latin cuisine. This year, they featured El Salvador’s common dish, Pupusas, which are made of thick corn tortillas filled with cheese, chicken and beans. In previous years, they have had Columbian and Mexican food.
Besides food, a huge part of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations and HOLA’s mission is community.
“I really want community for the people, especially with all the things that are going on right now. I think everyone just needs a sense of community, so they don’t feel alone,” Sam Ferrufino ‘28, HOLA’s Communications Outreach Chair, said.
Ferrufino ‘28 experienced feelings of loneliness during her first year of college and was eventually connected to HOLA by her advisor. She now wants to provide a sense of connection and community to students on campus who are experiencing similar difficulties and need cultural connection.
Through these efforts, HOLA has helped members feel more at home while on campus.
“I like meeting people. I like feeling close to home, the environment, you know, the food, the music. It’s always great to have a little piece of home and bring it with you,” Rogelio Zamudio-Galvan ‘27, an HOLA member, said.
Celebrating the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, HOLA’s Cenar y Celebrar was a successful event for students who identify as Hispanic and Latin, along with students who enjoy the culture, food and language.
If you are interested in learning more about HOLA, follow the organization on Instagram @hola_fu and look out for their next Hispanic Heritage Month event, Fiesta Hispana, meaning Hispanic Festival in English, on Oct. 3 at Furman’s Lakeside Amphitheater. The event will feature a traditional Folklorico performance, face painting and Central American foods.
