Fiesta Latina Celebrates Culture and Connection

This week our Latinx affinity group hosted the Fiesta Latina. A celebration of culture led by students. To kick off the event, four faculty members spoke on a panel about their cultures, personal experience, favorite foods, and fond memories. 

With faculty representing Venezuela, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Chile and sharing their own experiences and perspectives, students better understand the diversity of cultures and the connections they share. When panelists shared how common words like “sweater” and “cake” are said in their languages, students were surprised by the differences. But more important that different pronunciations are the memories and traditions that faculty shared. 

Denia Maldonado Olivas, English Faculty, shared that one of her favorite memories is the sunflowers that her mom plants every year. “Sunflowers come from Mexico, and my sisters and I take a picture in front of her sunflowers every year. It is a lot of fun, and every time I see a sunflower, I think of my mom.”

Debbie Bensadon, Assistant Head of School for Inclusive Excellence shared that her favorite food is beef hallacas from Venezuela and her favorite tradition is family dinners every week with her family “it’s a party every week! The quality time is a treasure,” she says. 

As for what the Fiesta Latina means to her, Bensadon shares, “For me, Fiesta Latina is a celebration of family, the kind we’re born into and the kind we build together. It’s a chance to honor the many Spanish-speaking cultures, traditions, and stories that make our community what it is today. Too often, the media’s portrayal of Latinidad misses the creativity, resilience, and contributions of Latinos throughout our nation's history. Fiesta Latina lets us share a fuller picture: the music, the food, the languages, and the people. It’s an honor to celebrate our vibrant backgrounds and identities alongside our Overlake family, and I hope everyone who joins us feels that warmth and welcome.”

Echoing her sentiment, Maldonado Olivas shares, “Just like with any celebration, I really appreciate connecting with others that share similar roots. We are a community in many ways, and this is just another example of how we can connect because of our Latinx culture.”

The event rounded out with food for sale, the proceeds of which went to Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, and a festive piñata! Be sure to check out the photos from the day here.