Syracuse Sun

The University is presenting a series of events to celebrate Latine Heritage Month, officially recognized from September 15 to October 15 each year. The festivities will take place from Monday, September 16 through Saturday, October 26.

This annual celebration aims to educate students, faculty, and staff about the history, culture, and contributions of Americans with ancestry in over 20 Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America, including Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. It also honors international students from these regions who contribute to the campus's diversity.

Cydavia Patterson, program coordinator at the Barner-McDuffie House and department co-chair for this year's festivities, commented on the event: “We, as the Latine Heritage Month committee, have engaged with countless campus partners, recognized student organizations and Greek life to create a dynamic Latine Heritage Month that encompasses the cultures of the Latine community here at Syracuse University.” She added that their hope is “to establish a unified network of resources, information and community.”

The theme for this year's celebration is "Fronteras Sin Limites: Embracing our Borderless Cultures." Events are designed to explore the experiences of Latine communities living along physical and cultural borders while highlighting their resilience and adaptability.

Key events include:

- An opening ceremony on Monday, September 16 in the Schine Student Center atrium at 2 p.m., featuring tabling by recognized student organizations (RSOs) and special performances.

- The sixth annual Torneo de Fútbol (soccer tournament) at the Women’s Building Field on Saturday, September 21. Teams can register until September 18.

- Sips to the Tropics mixer with handcrafted mocktails inspired by diverse Latine cultures at Barner-McDuffie House on Thursday, September 26.

- Arts and cultural exhibitions such as "WEIRD Barrio" by Puerto Rican artist Manuel Matías opening on September 20 at La Casita Cultural Center and "Libros de Artista" showcasing more than 60 pieces from The Artist Book Collection opening on October 11 at Punto de Contacto-Point of Contact.

- Additional activities include live DJ sets, panel discussions, roller skating sessions, comedy shows, paint nights among others.

For a full lineup of events and further details visit the Community Calendar.

The planning is led by BIPOC Student Success Programs and Services alongside Student Association. Co-sponsors include Bird Library; National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations Inc.; La Casita; Office of Cultural Engagement for Hispanic Community; Office of Diversity and Inclusion; Caribbean Student Association; Orange After Dark; Barnes Center at The Arch; Puerto Rican Students’ Association; Las Naranjas among others.

Additional support comes from University Union; South American & Latine Student Association; Delsol Magazine; National Association of Hispanic Journalists-Syracuse University Chapter; Latin American Law Student Association; CitrusTV Noticias among several other academic contributors within Syracuse University.