Salsa lesson, street food, connections highlight final Hispanic Heritage Month event
The colors, flavors and culture of Colombia were present in the Kirkhof Center Oct. 15 during Feria de las Flores, the "Festival of Flowers."
The event was the finale to Hispanic Heritage Month and included Colombian street food, a large floral display and a salsa lesson by Grand Rapids resident Daniel Lozano. Feria de las Flores was a collaboration between the Division of People, Equity, and Culture and the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Daniel Lozano leads a salsa lesson during Feria de las Flores Oct. 15 in the Kirkhof Center. The event was the finale of Hispanic Heritage Month. (Cory Morse)
President Philomena V. Mantella told participants that the event's celebratory nature invites curiosity and learning about other cultures. She also touted Grand Valley's work with Excelencia in Education, a national nonprofit organization focused on accelerating Latino student success. In 2019, GVSU was among the inaugural institutions to earn a Seal of Excellence from Excelencia in Education.
"As we go through what is a national shift between celebrating or excluding, we celebrate here, and we work with colleagues around the country to advocate and advance Latino success," Mantella said.
Robert Shorty, vice president for People, Equity, and Culture, said Hispanic Heritage Month events on campus help honor connections to one another. "Even when our expectations and backgrounds are different, our humanity brings us together," he said.
President Philomena V. Mantella talks with participants at Feria de las Flores, 'Festival of Flowers.' (Cory Morse)
Tiburcio Lince, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, explains the different Colombian food available at the event. OMA and the Division of People, Equity, and Culture partnered to host the event. (Cory Morse)