The sounds of rhythmic drums and trumpets fill your ears, you find yourself swaying to the beat as the Afro-Caribbean Ensemble plays to a sea of Latino/Hispanic students and faculty at Montclair State University. All while people around the student center quad are playing dominoes, dancing Merengue and eating Maduros (sweet fried plantains). This was the scene at the Hispanic Heritage Month block party, held by the Office of Hispanic Initiatives, which took place on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023.
Students waiting in line for food. Photo courtesy of Angel Santos | The Montclarion
The annual Hispanic Heritage Month Block party was started in 2021. The event every year since has been organized by the Office of Hispanic Initiatives as a way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and bring the Latino/Hispanic community on campus together for a day of fun.
Photo of Iliana Woodhull, Senior majoring in family science and human development, with a concentration in family service, one minor in Psychology, and another in child advocacy, holding up a Mexican flag. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
DJ playing different Latino/Hispanic songs at the Hispanic Heritage block party. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
The event started with speeches from Montclair State University’s Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Junius J. Gonzales to share the pride Montclair State University feels to be one of the largest Hispanic serving institutions on the east coast.
Photo of Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Junius J. Gonzales. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
Speeches continued from the presidents of each Latinx organization on campus. Dominican Student Organization (DSO), Mexican American Student Association (MASA) and Latin American Student Organization (LASO).
One of the student speakers at the Hispanic Heritage Month block party, president of the Dominican student organization Shanti Segura. Photo courtesy of Angel Santos | The Montclarion
Throughout the celebration, there were different student organizations that had tables set up across the student center quad.
LASO members laughing and dancing. Photo courtesy of Angel Santos | The Montclarion
There was also food available, face painting and a dominoes table.
Students playing dominoes. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
Photo of Jolene Dejesus, sophomore Psychology major, with a Puerto Rican flag painted on her cheek. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
Grace Velazquez, a freshman social media and public relations major having the Argentinian flag painted on her face. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
In addition, the Afro-Caribbean Ensemble from the John J. Cali School of Music performed live a variety of popular Puerto Rican Bomba songs.
The Afro-Caribbean ensemble playing at the Hispanic Heritage month block party. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
Students watch the performance from the Afro-Caribbean ensemble with smiling faces. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
There was also a special performance by Mexican Jazz artist Jackie Ryan performing alongside the Afro-Caribbean Ensemble.
Jazz artist Jackie Ryan performing alongside the Afro-Caribbean Ensemble. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
The event concluded with a performance from members of LASO, where they danced with the flag of their representative country.
LASO dance troupe performing at the Hispanic Heritage Month block party. Photo courtesy of Angel Santos | The Montclarion
LASO dance troupe prepares for performance. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
LASO dance troupe performing at the Hispanic Heritage Month block party. Photo courtesy of Angel Santos | The Montclarion
The day was all smiles, good food, music, and of course, as any good Hispanic event should have, lots and lots of dancing.
Freshman Aura Gallanar majoring in theater studies dancing. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
