By Gio Arteaga and Valerie Garcia Vallejo
Latinos Unidos, a club here at Westmont, was established in 2018. The club focuses on celebrating and embracing Latinx and Hispanic culture. Some of the major events Latinos Unidos has celebrated are Hispanic Heritage Month, Dia De Los Muertos, and their End of the Year celebration. Latinos Unidos also hopes to make many more milestones in their future and have already accomplished a lot during their time at Westmont. As said by the club’s co-president, senior Camila Ottoy, the club’s goal is to “expand our horizons of Latinx countries’ representation.”
Latinos Unidos recently hosted their annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. The celebration was composed of various activities that included flower making in the quad, music, and traditional cantarito painting. They hosted their Aguas Frescas fundraiser and hope to host different fundraisers throughout the rest of the year. The club members this year look forward to the Dia De Los Muertos celebration and have planned events and activities that will carry on and commemorate the memory of loved ones who’ve passed.
In traditional Mexican culture, Dia De Los Muertos customs are more of a celebration than mourning, and are celebrated all across the world. It’s a time where families come together and celebrate the life of passed on souls with celebrations, parades, make altars (Las Ofrendas), and give offerings for those who have passed on but visit the mortal world (typically the person’s favorite things when they were living).
Below is an interview with the co-presidents of Latinos Unidos.
Co-President: Camila Ottoy
How many years have you been in the club?
I have been part of the Latinos Unidos board for about one year and a half now!
What prompted you to join the club?
At first, I was actually unaware that the club existed at all, in fact, I did not know about any club in Westmont at the time. Yet, one of my friends told me she was part of the L.U. board and they were in need of another member. Thus, given my knowledge, experience, and the pride I take in Latinx culture, I decided to join.
Why is it important to celebrate Hispanic/ Latinx culture?
When we celebrate Hispanic/Latinx culture (even if we are not from any country that is Hispanic/Latinx) we open ourselves to a new world of information, which can always be important for personal and intellectual growth. Yet, I think this thought process applies to all other cultures out there! Simply put, it is important to understand the world around us in order to not live in a bubble.
Co-President: Sonia Gomez
How many years have you been in the club?
Three years.
What prompted you to join the club?
I like getting involved in the community.
Why is it important to celebrate Hispanic/ Latinx culture?
It’s important to make sure that the Latino/Hispanic students know how important it is to celebrate their roots and to not be ashamed to speak the language they speak, and to not be embarrassed to show their customs and traditions, their music and dances and food because the Latino culture is so beautiful and it is vital to not forget where we come from.