Northern celebrated Hispanic Heritage Week with a series of joyous events

Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) hosted a vibrant and dynamic series of events from September 16 to 19 to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Week, embracing the rich cultural contributions and diversity of the Hispanic community. The week was filled with music, food, art, poetry, and community engagement, bringing together students, staff, and local residents to honor Hispanic traditions.

The festivities kicked off on Monday, September 16, with a lively Salsa Making Contest that brought together students, staff, and community members in a fun and flavorful competition. Judges Tilly Nichols, Executive Director of the Española Chamber of Commerce, and Thomas Martinez, Chamber Board member and SVP at Century Bank, had the challenging task of selecting the best salsas. Northern student Karina Travizio won first place with her standout salsa, while Payroll Officer Marcel Povijua took second place with his delicious recipe. The contest was followed by a high-energy salsa dancing session led by Deollo Johnson, where participants danced to infectious Latin beats, setting the perfect tone for the week of festivities.

On Tuesday, September 17, NNMC hosted Cafecito, Biscochitos y Poesía, an inspiring event that showcased the power of Hispanic storytelling and artistry. Attendees enjoyed traditional biscochitos with their coffee as they listened to the powerful and evocative poetry of Olivia Rojo, who moved the crowd with her poignant reflections. The event also featured guest appearances by notable figures from the Taos artistic community, including Taos Poet Laureate Miguel Santistevan, whose works touched on themes of heritage and identity, and artist, activist, and filmmaker Diego Lopez, who shared his personal journey. Adding to the heartfelt celebration was local musician Andrea Lucero, along with her family, who performed traditional Hispanic songs that resonated deeply with the audience, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The focus on cultural traditions and wellness continued on Wednesday, September 18, with the Remedios Workshop & Book Display. This event brought a more reflective tone, as herbalists Pilar Trujillo and Quita Ortiz shared their expertise on common plant remedies that have been used for generations in Hispanic communities to promote health and well-being. The herbalists demonstrated how to prepare simple yet effective plant-based remedies to support health during the cooler months, offering participants valuable knowledge on traditional practices rooted in the land and culture. A book display highlighting the history of Hispanic herbalism and natural medicine provided additional context and resources for attendees to explore.

The grand finale came on Thursday, September 19, with the much-anticipated Community Fiesta, a vibrant celebration that brought together the entire NNMC campus and local community. Hundreds of attendees gathered for this grand event, which featured a special keynote address by Javier Martinez, Speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives. Martinez delivered an inspiring speech that emphasized the importance of Hispanic heritage, education, and community empowerment, urging everyone to continue building bridges of understanding and support for future generations. NNMC President Hector Balderas and board members, alongside student leaders, welcomed the crowd and underscored the college’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity on campus.

One of the highlights of the fiesta was Española’s famous low-rider show, which drew crowds with its dazzling display of custom cars, embodying the creativity and culture of the region. Attendees also enjoyed a wide array of food from local food trucks, with flavors representing the rich culinary heritage of Northern New Mexico. The event showcased local artists, community service organizations, and NNMC departments, with tables offering resources and information on student services, continuing education, and more. Voter registration and GO Bond information tables added a civic engagement element, encouraging attendees to get involved in their community and make their voices heard.

The fiesta also celebrated local agriculture, with fresh produce from ¡Sostenga! and Santa Cruz Farm offering attendees a taste of the region’s bounty, including roasted green chile, a beloved New Mexico staple. This farm-to-table experience highlighted the importance of sustainability and local food systems in the Hispanic community.

Throughout the week, students, staff, and faculty donned NNMC’s official Hispanic Heritage Celebration t-shirts, designed by Lisa Pelletier from the Communications/Marketing team. The bold and colorful shirts were a visual reminder of the college’s pride in its Hispanic heritage and commitment to celebrating cultural diversity.

NNMC’s Hispanic Heritage Week Committee and volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the events, creating a week full of joy, learning, and community bonding. Their efforts were recognized throughout the week as attendees expressed their appreciation for the meaningful and well-organized celebrations.

Photos of the week’s events, captured by John T. Denne and NNMC Marketing and Communications, showcased the vibrant energy and spirit of Hispanic Heritage Week, preserving memories of a celebration that brought the NNMC community together in the name of culture, tradition, and unity.

This year’s Hispanic Heritage Week at NNMC was a powerful reminder of the college’s dedication to diversity, inclusivity, and cultural awareness, leaving a lasting impact on all who participated.

#NorthernProud #HispanicHeritageMonth2024 #NNMCdiversity #Sostenga!