On April 8, Aragon hosted the second annual Latino Festival in the gym. Students embraced a multitude of cultures through singing, dancing, and feasting on foods from various Latin American countries, such as Cuba and El Salvador.
Senior Raquel Canete, a volunteer at the event, explains the cultural significance of this event in her personal life. She says, “I moved from Spain right before [my] junior year. Right now, I am dressed like a Spanish girl. I never really have the opportunity to do that, and I never have the opportunity to perform in front of people. I feel like [I’m] at home [here].”
Aragon counselor Norma Lopez explains why students and parents attend this event. She says, “I think it is ethically a good event to attend. The good thing is you can buy food here and take it home if you cannot stay, and [the food represents] different countries.”
Aragon parent Maria Nedel describes enjoyed the sense of community the festival offers. She says, “I like to bring the Hispanic community together. A lot of people do not realize that there are so many countries in Latin America, and several countries have several cultures, so it is an opportunity for myself and high school’s families to get together and celebrate the differences that each country has: the traditions, the food, and the music. So we get the experience tonight of that: the music, dancing, and traditional food that each country has and their very distinct flavors.”
Lopez believes that the organization of this year’s festival improved from last year. She says, “I think the setup is better this year. I think last year the tables were like over to one side. And here they left the middle part open and have tables on both sides, so we have better visibility of performances and the entertainment that are supposedly to take place.”
Junior Alex Garcia appreciates the diversity represented in the Latino Festival. He says, “[Distinctiveness of foods from ] different countries depend on how to mix ingredients and how to cook them. The mixture of ingredients all creates its unique flavor to the country. I think it is amazing thing what we are looking at: that we have so many different types of food from the same ingredients.”
Counselor Rachel Leota believes that this event proved successful among the Aragon community. She says, “I think this experience was really successful. A lot of people looked forward to it. I know my fellow club staffers and students were really excited for this to happen, and I am really grateful it happened for a second year, so we can enjoy it all over again.”
Leota adds, “I really like this event because for the students I see Monday through Friday, I get to see their parents, their siblings, and try their food. It is usually items that are particular to their country and their culture. That is the fun part for me. I get to see another side of them other than that in the classroom or in the library.”
Parent Margie Kalaveras concludes, “My son is a senior here, so I am glad they get to do this before he graduates. I love all of Latin America. We are so fortunate that we have all of these countries represented in one gym. Even if you go to San Francisco, you would have to drive to different locations, [so] this is great.”
