Fiesta at Utah State University: Biggest Latinx party on campus

Fiestas Americas is a celebration that commemorates the many ways to be Latinx. Put on by the Nuestra Voz Latina club headquartered in the Latinx Cultural Center, this celebration is their major event of the year.  

The Nuestra Voz Latina club is in its first year since its creation as a combination of two previous clubs, Latinos in Action and the Latinx Support Union.

Gabi Rojas-Ortiz, a sophomore studying special education, is the secretary for the club.   

“Nuestra Voz Latina is actually a brand new group this year,” Rojas-Ortiz said. “We’re still in the works of getting familiarized with everything. It’s been a huge merging of the Latinos in Action USU Chapter and the Latinx Student Union. Those groups made history before, but it was time to close that chapter and start a new one. It’s been very important to us this year to get our voices out there.”  

Jimena Ortiz, a pre-vet major and head of marketing for the club, loves that the new club allows her to leave an imprint on the LCC legacy.   

“I really did like that they merged because now it’s a new thing,” Ortiz said. “I’m a part of this new group, and I can make my mark instead of being another person in the club.”  

Even though this is a new club, Fiestas has been an event at USU for more than a decade. It’s an important part of Latinx representation on campus.  

“Fiestas Americas is an event that shows our culture, our history and then different aspects of different backgrounds of Latin America and America overall,” Rojas-Ortiz said. “I believe a lot of our members are really excited about this, and we can all put our mark on Fiestas.”   

Celesta Hernandez, a sophomore majoring in technology systems, is treasurer of the club.  

“We’re so excited to show people how Fiestas Americas is different this year,” Hernandez said.   

There are many events happening at Fiestas, with the pre-event having art and quinceanera exhibitions, along with dance and pinata-making lessons. There will also be a Senor Fiestas, quinceanera runway, dance and music performances and refreshments of chips and salsa.  

“One of our council members, Alandra, brought up a quinceanera expo,” Rojas-Ortiz said. “It sounded good because, honestly, how many of us have quinceaneras on campus? We want to feel that magical moment again of feeling like a princess.”  

Dance and music are major components of Latinx culture, so of course, they will be included at Fiestas.  

“A part of the Latinx cultural center is the Latin Dance Club. They’re going to do dance lessons,” Hernandez said. “If you watch on our social media, they’re going to put a question out so we can take requests and put music on our event playlist.”   

Yenny Lopez, the adviser for the club, said there will also be Zumba. For those who have two left feet, there will be performances from students that will showcase Latinx dancing.  

“I think it shows our Latinidad,” Hernandez said. “We’re trying to do this year with more student-focused performances. We’ve enrolled a few different students, like musicians and dancers.”   

Professor Alvaro Ibarra of the Caine College of the Arts organized a collection of art made by Latinx students and inspired by Latinx culture, which will be shown during the pre-event.  

The Senor Fiestas event will also allow male students from different parts of the Latin America to show off pride for their countries, which Rojas-Ortiz said was important to celebrate. She said male Hispanic students were less involved when the club looked at membership, but the group wants to ensure they feel seen and represented.  

Hernandez agreed with the sentiment, sharing it can be difficult for male Latinx students.   

“Its hard to celebrate Latino men for more than their ability to provide for their families,” Hernandez said. “I hope this is more about celebrating who they are and where they come from and them as a person, not just what they can provide.”   

This event is a vital part of Latinx representation on campus, according to club leadership.  

“Fiestas is one of the most important events that students of Latin culture look forward to,” Rojas-Ortiz said. “I think that representation, showing people in our community on campus and off campus is so important, letting kids know, ‘Hey, this is someone who looks similar to you, who wants to go into the same field, is up on campus, and you can look up to them. They did it, and so can you.’”   

They love that the LCC gives them a place on campus, with both Ortiz and Rojas-Ortiz calling it a second home. Ortiz said she loves that there’s a special place on campus where she is surrounded by people who share and love her culture.  

“It is so rewarding to be Latinx,” Ortiz said. “I want to motivate other Hispanics and Latinx to go to college. I want to be that figure to someone in the younger generation. I love my culture; there are so many amazing things about it.”  

Lopez discussed how the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion makes the LCC a safe place by providing snacks, a place to relax and a sense of community and belonging where anyone is welcome.  

“One of the cool things about this center is that it is a student support center for anyone,” Lopez said. 

Hernandez agreed with Lopez, sharing how they often go to the LCC to take a break, get a snack, chat with friends and feel community. 

“I feel like everybody here is so nice and inviting,” Hernandez said. “Because, at one point, we were all a student who didn’t know anybody.” 

Hernandez said their experience in being Latinx taught them love and acceptance.  

“I’ve learned to be so accepting,” Hernandez said. “You have what you have, but I feel like I’ve made it so much. It’s about having a lot of love and resilience; that’s what builds community.”  

Hernandez said being a minority on campus was difficult, but they appreciated all the help they received.  

“I feel like it can be hard to feel like a minority on campus, but it’s been really nice to see how people from the community and other students have been so willing to help xus with planning and being great resources that we can depend on,” Hernandez said. “This wouldn’t be possible without all the help we’ve gotten.” 

Rojas-Ortiz said she loved learning she could do anything.  

“Even though planning it has been a little stressful, it’s been really fun,” Hernandez said. “I’m excited to see how it rolls out. Buy your tickets.” 

They said if you have any interest in Latinx culture, Fiestas is worth checking out. 

“If you’re interested in learning more about Latin culture, come,” Rojas-Ortiz said. 

Fiestas Americas will be held on Mar. 2, with the pre-event from 5:30-6:45 p.m. and the regular party from 7-10 p.m. The pre-event is free, while the regular event is $5.