La Cultura Latina’s La Raza Event Showcases the Latin Community’s Festive and Diverse Heritage
At this year’s La Raza celebration, the diversity of performances — including salsa, merengue, reggaetón and bachata dancers along with a mariachi band playing traditional Mexican music — captured the Latin community’s dynamic heritage. Hosted by the student organization La Cultura Latina (LCL) and held for the first time in the Bentley Arena, this year’s event was emceed by comedian Gina Brillon and was themed “Una Noche En Oasis” (A Night in the Oasis). More than 500 people attended.
“La Raza is a cultural showcase representing a rich diversity of countries, bringing students from all over the world together,” says Humberto Zepeda ’24, LCL’s events coordinator. “We aim to celebrate our raza (race) and stand by our values of resilience, unity and commitment to our culture while also providing a space and time to share our heritage with others. Several performers will represent their countries and embrace their social identities as we celebrate the connection to our roots.”
The Latin American region encompasses 33 countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean, as well as Mexico, and reflects a diverse blend of indigenous, European, African and Asian influences. The décor at La Raza, which featured 10-foot LED palm trees and a colorful floral wall, created a tropical setting and relaxing vibe for people to come together and celebrate. Authentic Central American food — such as pupusas, flautas and picadera, a mixture of foods such as flank steak, chicken wings, french fries, yucca bites and cheese — was provided by Estefani’s located north of Boston in Lynn, Massachusetts.
Photos by Emmanuel Boakye-Appiah.
Following the comedy show and cultural performances, a light show synced to music illuminated the room, and performers in costumes with colorful feathers and glitter — some dressed as robots and bobble heads — got the crowd on their feet as DJ Xplicit took the stage for la Hora Loca (“the crazy hour”). The popular Latin tradition is focused on creating a party within a party with an energetic club vibe.
“Our main goal with this event is to provide people with a sense of what it is to be Latino,” says Kiara Pichardo ’24, LCL treasurer. “If you've ever gone to a Latino event like a wedding, they often have una Hora Loca following the formal portion. It’s basically a huge party that demonstrates our culture — the warmth and comfort of celebrating together and accepting everyone. It joins people together for a good time.”
LCL President Miguel Sanchez ’23 adds, “La Hora Loca is something that is unique to Latino experiences, and we invested a lot of effort into creating that ambiance at La Raza. Having performers to facilitate getting people on the dance floor helped to not only boost the vibe of the room but also to make the space more inclusive.”
‘MORE THAN A PARTY’
Planning for La Raza began nearly a year and a half ago and included the LCL e-board and various committees who worked with Bentley’s Office of Student Programs and Engagement. The first step was booking the Bentley Arena to secure a venue with more space to accommodate a bigger event than previous years. Next came behind-the-scenes work: Zepeda focused on securing talent and production logistics; Pichardo managed budgeting and signing contracts. Sanchez unexpectedly secured a food vendor when he and his Bentley suitemates went for a bite to eat at Estefani’s and the owner, Bentley alumna Estefani Orellana ’17, walked by their table.
“I got talking to Estefani and learned that she was a member of La Cultura Latina when she was at Bentley, and she was familiar with La Raza,” Sanchez recalls. “I asked her about participating in this year’s event and she was immediately on board. It’s like it was meant to be.”
When it came to production elements, Zepeda drew from his experience and network playing piano at local Boston-area clubs and churches. “I was able to bring together performers to play live music — including merengue, salsa and cumbia — from a variety of Latin American regions. The Latino culture goes beyond a language; it comes with traditions, heritage and values. We wanted everyone to feel special and be seen, to feel part of the event.”
“A lot of this planning stage has been coming to terms with what we can and cannot do, and that’s a humbling process,” Sanchez says, sharing an important lesson he learned from staff adviser Vanessa Velasquez, student success and first generation coordinator. “Since it was our first time holding La Raza in the Arena, my mindset was to go big or go home, but Vanessa reminded me that you’ve got to start somewhere. It helped me realize not to get ahead of myself and to stay focused on my main goal to have our presence as Latinos felt on the Bentley campus and to be inclusive.”
Velasquez was impressed by how students developed their professional competencies in the coordination and planning of La Raza — and by the broader impact of their efforts. “What is so incredible about this event is that it is more than a party. As Latinx people, we carry the weight of historical and contemporary trauma with us every day, sometimes without even knowing it.”
She adds, “These stressors can lead to an increase in health-related concerns that can potentially have detrimental effects on our student’s well-being and academic performance. Studies have shown that the celebration of culture and identity, and increasing a sense of belonging, can serve as a buffer to the stress inherited, leading to an increase in wellness outcomes and the overall success of our students on campus.”
Pichardo agrees. “We wanted to create a space where people could feel represented and have a sense of community, particularly for Latino students who may be missing home. Having the power and the ability to do something like that is amazing.”
A glimpse into La Raza. Video by Gabriel Lopez ’25.