The sound of Latin music was heard across the University Student Union (USU) as the first-ever Rhythm of Latinx Heritage Fiesta began on Sept. 29, 2026.
As Latinx Heritage Month continues through Oct. 15, the USU held events that celebrate and highlight Latinx culture. The event allowed Matadors to immerse themselves in the culture by learning how to dance, eating traditional food like pupusas and duros de harina (pinwheel chips) and playing Lotería.
Natalie Jeronimo-Goytia, who works under the USU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Department, made the event happen by proposing the event to the USU EDI department. Jeronimo-Goytia wanted to ensure the Latin culture was celebrated at a time when “we feel like our culture is being slipped away.”
“I made sure I wanted to start something here that not only represents my culture, but also other students here, where the majority of the community are Hispanic, and so, why not bring more celebration and a fiesta here?” Jeronimo-Goytia said.
Kinesiology Professor Jacqueline Busonia taught traditional cultural dances like bachata and salsa during the event, with a step-by-step tutorial. Students were able to not only learn dances, but also meet new people. Jeronimo-Goytia emphasized the importance of having music and dance culture included in the event.
“I think as time goes by, we tend to lose our dance culture that we kind of, sort of, started through our younger generation, and now as we’re getting older, we’re kind of losing it due to school and all that stuff,” Jeronimo-Goytia said. “So why not bring the rhythm to the students here?”
Rose Agyei, a kinesiology major with a minor in child development, was hesitant to go to the event due to the distance, but was able to enjoy it by partaking in the dances, food and activities. Agyei met new people because of the event and praised the professor for giving clear, concise instructions on the dances.
“We got to partner up with a bunch of people, and it was super fun,” Agyei said. “Everybody was having a great time, so I really enjoyed doing that. It was a whole workout. I believe one of the girls with me was like, ‘Oh my goodness, my heart rate is 181 right now.’ I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, you need to take a break.’ But it was so fun. I loved it.”
The event was decorated with Latin American flags and the traditional Mexican decoration called papel picado, which translates to “perforated paper.” Papel picado is made with various designs and colors, then strung together to be displayed. It is used for celebrations and religious holidays and according to a MexMax blog, it can also show the cycle of life and death to acknowledge the souls of the departed for the Day of the Dead.
Estefani Garcia, a public health major, came to the event to view how the campus celebrated the Latinx community. It was Garcia’s first time attending an event specifically for Latinx people. Although she hoped for a few more activities, she still enjoyed the event.
“I think it does bring a lot of people together,” Garcia said. “Like, people we don’t know, we still sit and dance with each other. I recommend it, especially if they have some time to just hang out.”
While the Rhythm of Latinx Heritage Fiesta offered students a chance to enjoy food and activities, it also created a space for Latinx students to feel represented and connected to their culture on campus.
The USU holds various events throughout the semester; to view upcoming events, visit their calendar.
