A palm tree with a wooden cart filled with bananas and pineapples stands tall next to a building with a tile roof, and colorful shutters, all framed by vibrant pink trumpet vine flowers in full bloom.

Latine Heritage Month

This year's Latine Heritage Month theme, Raíces Latinas: Honoring Our Roots, pays tribute to the deep cultural, historical, and personal legacies that have shaped our community at Western Washington University. At the heart of this celebration is a recognition of the advocacy, resilience, and dedication of Latine alumni and current students, whose efforts have paved the way for the establishment of La Plaza - WWU's new Latine Student Center.

For years, Latine students and alumni have worked towards greater representation, support, and resources on our campus. Their persistence, in the face of challenges, embodies the spirit of raíces—our roots—reflecting the strength and determination that runs through our communities. These trailblazers laid the foundation upon which La Plaza was built, ensuring that future generations of Latine students will have a space to gather, grow, and thrive.

Beyond individual accomplishments, this theme underscores the cultural value of comunidad - community. In Latine culture, our roots are not only a connection to our heritage but also to one another. We are strengthened by our collective experiences, our shared stories, and our support for each other. La Plaza is a living testament to this value, a space designed to foster unity, belonging, and empowerment among Latine students at WWU.

As we honor those who have come before us, we celebrate their contributions to creating a legacy that prioritizes community, connection, and care. Through their advocacy, we are reminded that the power of change often begins with the courage to plant the seeds. Raíces Latinas: Honoring Our Roots is not just a reflection on the past but a call to action, inspiring us all to continue nurturing and strengthening our community for future generations.

Join us this Latine Heritage Month as we celebrate our roots, honor our legacy, and continue the journey of growth together.

Latine (pronounced la·ˈ ti· ne) is a gender-neutral form of the word Latino, created by LGBTQIA+, gender non-binary, and feminist communities in Spanish speaking countries. The objective of the term Latine is to remove gender from the Spanish word Latino/a, by replacing it with the gender-neutral Spanish letter E. This idea is native to the Spanish language and can be seen in many gender-neutral words like “estudiante”. –callmelatine.com

Artist Statement

This digital artwork cover image for Latine Heritage Month celebrates the vibrant diversity of Latine cultures, drawing inspiration from elements that are deeply rooted in everyday life across Latin America. The colorful houses symbolize warmth and community, while plants such as las Palmeras, Flores del Inca, Guaraná, Cactus and la Araucaria showcase the rich natural beauty of our lands. Food stands featuring fruits like mangos, plantains, and pineapples, along with fresh bread, highlight the abundance and variety that are central to our culinary traditions.

The imagery and colors reflect the vibrancy and unity of the Latine identity, aiming to foster a sense of pride and belonging. Through this piece, I hope to honor and elevate Latine culture, offering a space for reflection and celebration within our university community.

Mariachi Herencia de Mexico

Thursday, September 26, 7:30 p.m.
Mount Baker Theatre

Student Rush 2-hours before the show – half off tickets with student ID. This event kicks off Latine Heritage Month with a cultural performance to engage and entertain students with an off-campus event.

Pan y Comunidad: Baking Bread at the Outback Farm

Thursday, October 3, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Outback Farm

La Plaza staff will provide students with a workshop on traditional bread making in the Outback Farm’s cob oven, highlighting the cultural significance of these techniques. A culinary experience to engage participants in cooking traditions from Latin American countries.

Book Speaks Library Display

Throughout the month of October

Engage with us through literature, events, and discussion as we celebrate Latine Heritage Month. Our theme for this year is La Comunidad — Avazando Juntos (moving forward together), building on last year’s theme to emphasize the importance of Latine community unity.

Find a display of staff picks on books, literature, and authors near the Hacherl Research and Writing Studio in the Haggard Hall Library. These picks will be available from Western Libraries or found at libraries within our community for you to check out and engage with.

MCC Collaborative Events

Join us at the Multicultural Center (VU 735) on the 7th floor of the Viking Union. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome.

Collab with LGBTQ+ Western

Thursday, October 10, 6-8 p.m.

Collaborative event with LGBTQ+ Western, featuring activities like Joteria Loteria. These activities aim to celebrate LGBTQ+ identities within the Latine community, fostering inclusivity and cultural representation.

Capoeira Workshop

Tuesday, October 15, 6-8 p.m.

Join us for an evening with the Seattle Capoeira Center. Collaborate with ACC (What is this?), Baile Folklorico, other dance/martial arts-based groups. Students will be provided with an interactive opportunity to learn about the history of Capoeira, while celebrating Afro-Latinidad as a part of Latine Heritage Month.
Learn more about Capoeira History - ABADÁ-Capoeira San Francisco.

Cena y Aprenda

Wednesday, October 30, 6-7 p.m.

Details tbd

WWU Athletics - Latine Heritage Night

Saturday, October 19, 3:30 - 9 p.m.
Harrington Field

Join us at Harrington Field for a doubleheader of WWU soccer as we celebrate Latine Heritage Month!

Student clubs will have tables set up during the game. Collaboration with athletics enhances visibility and involvement, integrating sports with cultural celebration.

Free admission for all students with WWU ID. Limited number of complimentary tickets for community members.

Enjoy fun activities and support fundraising efforts by Latine Student Union and Latinx Men in Higher Education. For more information, please visit WWU Athletics.

Dia de los Muertos Celebration

Friday, November 1, 4:30-8 p.m.
Whatcom Community College,
Syre Auditorium

Hosted by Whatcom Community College, this community event is free to the public. Enjoy Food, Danza Azteca, Baile Folklorico, Groupo Aporto Versado, clubs tabling and fun for the whole family.

Dia de los Muertos poster, with digital painting of portraits surrounded by candles and flowers.

Valentina Del Risco Sanchez, La Plaza Latine Center Student Program Specialist
Lily Sandala, La Plaza Latine Center Student Program Specialist
Ashley Campuzano-Valencia, Student Leader, Latine Student Union
Arcelia Duran, Student Leader, Latine Student Union
Valentina Larrondo, Student Leader, Latine Student Union
Julian Cabrera, Media & Outreach Coordinator, LGBTQ+ Western
Pao Falcon, Community Development Co-Coordinator, LGBTQ+ Western
Rodrigo Juarez-Gonzalez, Latine Student Retention Specialist, Multicultural Student Services
Nia Gipson, Coordinator, Black Student Coalition
Ayanna Phillips, Program Manager, LGBTQ+ Western
Lucas Gutiérrez Senger, Senior Instructor College of Business and Economics, College of Fine and Performing Arts

Each year, Americans observe Latine Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. The observation of Latine Heritage Month started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402. This month celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Information provided by National Hispanic Heritage Month.