The Christmas season has arrived and around the world many people are getting ready to celebrate the most joyful holiday of the year. "Christmas is one of the best holidays because all my family gets together and we enjoy each other’s company," said CSUSB student Alba Valdez. Different cultures have their own unique traditions in which they celebrate Christmas. In Latin America, “Las Posadas” or "hospitality," refers to the inn in the story of the birth of Jesus. They are a Catholic tradition commonly celebrated in Mexico and Guatemala. "Where I live, we have Posadas where the people in the city get together; it is a big tradition," said Valdez. Valdez said people walk in … [Read more...] about Latin American Christmas Traditions
Tradiciones del Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Coco, a Mexican Folklore Film
Coco, Disney Pixar’s new film, centers on a boy’s musical journey within Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) traditions and folklore. This is the 19th Pixar film directed by Lee Unkrich and co-directed by Adrian Molina. The film's production provides colorful visuals, Mexican music, and most of the voice cast is entirely by Latino actors. Opening Nov. 22, Coco delivers an important message about family through the customs and traditions of Mexican culture. It’s important for people to know the significance of the Day of the Dead to fully understand the film. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday honoring dead family members and friends. … [Read more...] about Coco, a Mexican Folklore Film
“Los Amigos Spanish Club”
Los Amigos Spanish Club is a student run organization that provides students with a common interest in Spanish language and culture an opportunity to connect. The club’s purpose is to enhance students' understanding of Hispanic and Latin American cultures through different activities on and off campus. The club started around 2014 when students became interested in participating in Latin events through Foreign Language Advising and Guidance for Students (FLAGS). FLAGS includes advisors who work with faculty in the World Languages and Literatures department to provide important information to students regarding registration, quarterly classes, planning their major, transcript … [Read more...] about “Los Amigos Spanish Club”
Latin Night is Here!
Latin Night is just around the corner, as it will be taking place on Friday, Nov. 17 at the Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU) Lobby and Events Center, where everyone is invited to dance the night away to Latin music. "It brings the Latino culture and a lot of people get excited about it," said Programming Student Assistant for Program Board Destiny Lara Benzor. Program Board works with different organizations on campus and is dedicated to promote a sense of community at CSUSB through free, exciting, and entertaining events. It is well known for their annually dances they host such Latin Night, sponsered by the Latinx Center and Sigma Lambda Beta. "Latin Night started about five … [Read more...] about Latin Night is Here!
The Roots of Coyote Radio en Español
Coyote Radio en Español is a special program of Coyote Radio, directed by Dr. Gallegos-Ruiz and Lacey Kendall. The program started in 2009 when Lacey Kendall, Director of Coyote Radio, met two students that wanted to start a show in Spanish. Student volunteers directed the show for a few years until they graduated.Later, Dr. Gallegos, a professor of Communication, spoke to Kendall and asked if there was a way to involve her students in a journalist media broadcast experience. “She was the one who brought it back to life and told me, how about instead of sending you two students, I’ll put the whole class on task,” said Kendall. Soon Kendall and Gallegos started collaborating together on … [Read more...] about The Roots of Coyote Radio en Español
Come Celebrate, “El Dia de Los Muertos”
CSUSB will have its annual, “El Dia de Los Muertos,” event on Sunday, Nov. 5 at the Lower Commons Patio Arena, to honor and recognize those who have passed. “It’s a way to celebrate them and not forget about them as they have moved on to the next life,” said Administrative Analyst/Specialist, Iwona-Maria Luczkiewicz Contreras. At the event, there will be a community altar co-sponsored by Acto Latino as it has always been considered the centerpiece of the event. Acto Latino is a theater group on campus which focuses on Hispanic/Latino language, culture, and literature through the presentation of Spanish-language plays. “We invite the spirits of our dead ancestors, relatives and … [Read more...] about Come Celebrate, “El Dia de Los Muertos”
Homecoming Celebrations
Coordinated by the Office of Student Engagement, CSUSB had its annual Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 21, as a way to bring students, alumni, staff and community members together to celebrate what it is like to be a Coyote. “The purpose of Homecoming is celebration,” said Alumni Engagement Coordinator, Crystal Wymer-Lucero. Wymer-Lucero says the event is significant because it brings together everybody and it is also a tradition.“We’re here to celebrate what it means to be a coyote and honor everything we’ve done over the last years,” said Wymer-Lucero.This year's homecoming celebration had over 1,000 members of the Coyote Family.The day was commenced with the Homecoming Bash, which took … [Read more...] about Homecoming Celebrations
The Panza Monologues
By Erika Aguilar |Staff Writer| The San Manuel Student Union Theatre presented its first play, “Panza Monologues", on March 3, organized by the Women’s Resource Center (WRC). The play is based on the book, "The Panza Monologues,” written by Virginia Grise and Irma Mayorga. It is a solo performance based on women’s stories about their panzas, which means “bellies” in English. The book features Chicanas speaking with humor and honesty about their stories, including their panza. The panza represents as a symbol, revealing the truths about their experience with life, love, abuse, living conditions, obstacles and political concerns. The monologues are a combination of comedy and … [Read more...] about The Panza Monologues
Advocating for change
By Erika Aguilar |Staff Writer| President Donald Trump’s recent executive order of increasing immigration law enforcement is affecting the Latino community in San Bernardino. Trump has promised to deport all 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S, specifically those with criminal backgrounds. “These policies are taking away people that do not have a criminal background,” said Karina Abraham. According to Abraham, false reports of immigration checkpoints published via social media is provoking fear among the Latino community. “I am afraid of what can happen to those I love,” stated Maria Barragan-Arreguin, coordinator of the Dreamers Resource and … [Read more...] about Advocating for change