The Collegian

Issue date: 5/9/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Zack Farmer Carlos Moreno's Ballet Folklorico class performed a special set, highlighting Mexican culture last week for LCN.

Media Credit: Zack Farmer

The sixth annual Latino Cultural Night (LCN) took place last Tuesday night in the Soda Activity Center. "It gives Latinos a time to show their voice," said LCN Executive Team member Betty Marquez '07.

Stephanie Sanchez '07, another LCN Executive Team member, said, "I don't feel diversity clubs have a voice on campus." LCN helps to provide such a voice.

"We are proud of the legacy of our ancestors and we are passionate about the living and propagating the rich culture that we inherited," said the executive team in the night's program handout.

Thus, the theme of the event was "Pride and Passions." Every year, LCN selects four countries to highlight in the performance. The countries selected this year were El Salvador, Argentina, Nicaragua, and Chile. LCN also had a special Ballet Folklorico set instructed by Carlos Moreno. "All the sets tried to work in the theme," said Sanchez.

Among the other activities of the night was a raffle, sponsored by Best Buy. The prize was a portable DVD player accompanied by a carrying bag.

The LCN crew members, set chairs, and performers practiced for months in preparation for the event. "We were practicing into the late night," said Brandon Birr '07, LCN Executive Team member. "Because we're all busy college students, getting people together to put this together can be difficult."

Sanchez said, "Because it was on Tuesday, it made it very difficult. Everyone's extremely busy with essays and tests."

Jose Cano '08, one of the

masters of ceremony, said, "School's almost out, essays due, time commitment was a big issue but we just had to get it right. It was something we cared about."

Marquez estimated that the performers were working about 40 hours per week during the final month.

Birr said that the goal of LCN is "to educate is the primary importance [of LCN], Latinos and the SMC community."

Cano said, "[We want] to show what our cultures are all about, how Latino cultures vary and are not all Mexican."

"As students of Saint Mary's College, we have come together to celebrate these passions and take pride in our culture by educating ourselves, our peers, and the community at large," said the executive team, "With these goals in mind we have invested a lot of time and effort in putting together tonight's production."

The audience appreciated the hard work. "It was really good," said Naveen Prasad '08. "I got a small taste of another culture."

"It was cool. I really liked the Pala Maya [Nicaraguan dance]," said Julius Mendoza '08. "I didn't know that the Tango comes from Argentina. I thought it was Spanish."

Others that were given credit for LCN's success included Director of Delphine Intercultural Center Lisa McRipley, Coordinator of Latino Student Academic Advising & Achievement ProgramsIvan Pagan, Brother Michael Avila, and Brother Camillus Chavez.

"Everyone had been working so hard, it really pulled together," said Paula Martinucci, Visit and Ambassador Program coordinator. "This year seemed extra vibrant. The performances were very heartfelt."

"Don't be sad that it's over. Be glad that it happened," said Sanchez.

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