To celebrate Central American independence, El Centro hosted a cultural jubilee outside Lakeside Dining Hall Monday evening.
Held on the 193rd anniversary of Central America’s declaration of independence from Spain and at the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, the celebration included Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua.
The event featured Hispanic food made by El Centro students, including a taco bar, coconut balls, baleadas from Honduras, gallo pinto from Costa Rica and flautas from Mexico.
Students from all over campus came to enjoy the free food and experience the Hispanic culture. Even tour guides were spotted bringing parents to experience the cultural side of Elon.
Other students came to the event specifically to represent El Centro as a community.
“I wanted to find [the Latin community] when I got to Elon, and I did,” said sophomore Gisele Nighswander. “I love Latin food, and I’m so glad I get to eat it while I’m here.”
Students attended the event for a variety of reasons — some more personal than others.
“I’m from Guatemala, so I figured I would come help celebrate,” sophomore Jocelyn Smith said.
No matter why students came, it was important to El Centro that they were there.
“We just want everyone to know about the culture and come together,” Dianna Prieto Vinas, assistant director of El Centro said. “It’s a country-wide celebration.”
The event has been a tradition at Elon for a long time, she said, with slight additions and tweaks to the offerings and people in attendance.
“I went last year, and it was wonderful and the food was delicious,” Nighswander said.
This year, the sophomore decided to bring her friends to experience the culture that has been a part of her whole life.
If students missed the event and want to be a part of El Centro on campus, its office in Moseley Student Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. They also host events throughout the school year including a tailgate and a table at College Coffee.