To honor Latin American culture, SVSU is observing Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

Many cultural events and learning opportunities comprise the monthlong celebration.

A salsa dancing lesson will take place Wednesday, Oct. 9, in the Student Life Programming Room at 7 p.m.  This event is a great way to learn the basics of salsa dancing, work out and have fun.

The Latino Food Fiesta will be Tuesday, Oct. 14 at the Marketplace at Doan starting at 11:30 a.m. Authentic food prepared by Hispanic faculty and staff will be featured.

The Latino Alumni Chapter’s tailgate is Saturday, Oct. 25, in the Ryder Center parking lot. Those who attend can enjoy grilled foods while listening to Mexican and Latin music.

As part of the Cardinal Talks Series, Compliance Specialist for School and University Partnerships Roberto Garcia will be featured Friday, Nov. 7.  This will be taking place in the Student Life Center at 11:45 a.m.

The Latino Awareness Association, student organization working to promote Latino cultures and eliminate stereotypes, will play a large role in the celebration.

President of the Latino Awareness Association Ivan Macias said “We are trying to build up the new Latino image.”

Macias acknowledges the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month as a way to express culture, make people more aware and provide knowledge to prevent people from insulting others.

He explained that a commonly asked question, like “Are you Mexican?” can be insulting to someone.  “You should (instead) ask, ‘Where are you from?’” Macias said.

Members of the association will be continuing to celebrate their cultural traditions at the Halloween Bash on Nov. 1, with a Day of the Dead theme.

“Our culture has a lot of symbolism,” Macias said, “We want to teach the correct thing.”

The association plans to make traditional altars commemorating three Hispanic individuals, as well as Robin Williams and Paul Walker.

For these students, their culture is not restricted to just one month.  They are already planning large events for the upcoming winter semester.

One event to look for is the showing of Cesar Chavez, which will take place in March around his birthday.  They will celebrate the strides made by Chavez, a hero to Mexican American farmers.

Additionally, they are looking into bringing an orchestra that will feature music from different Latin American regions.

Another possible event to be on the lookout for is an immigration panel.

Students of all cultural backgrounds are encouraged to join.

“We are here with open arms, we will help you learn informal or formal Spanish,” Macias said, “Stop by, we will teach you and learn from you.”

Meetings for the Latino Awareness Association take place every other week, on Tuesday, at 10 p.m.