Hispanic Heritage Month is a month to honor the contributions Hispanic-Americans have made to the United States. At CSU Stanislaus, a number of celebrations took place throughout the campus community with two particular events that showcased music, culture and unity.

¡Viva la Independencia!: A Celebration of Mexican Independence Day

On Monday, September 16, 2024, the campus came alive with the sounds of two Mariachi bands performing at the Warrior Steps in the Student Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event, ¡Viva la Independencia!, was the first celebration of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month at Stan State and marked Mexican Independence Day.

Mariah Burciaga, the event coordinator, encouraged students to “keep supporting the Stan State Mariachi.” The event welcomed the entire campus community to experience traditional Mariachi music, drawing students to the Warrior Steps for performances that created a festive atmosphere. The event brought everyone together to experience Mexico’s musical traditions.

Las Cafeteras Concert

On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, another celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month took place from 6–8 p.m. on the CSU Stanislaus quad. This free concert featured Las Cafeteras, a Los Angeles-based group known for blending punk, hip-hop, cumbia and rock with Afro-Mexican rhythms. Their music brought a sense of community and belonging to the audience, making the quad a gathering space for students and the public alike.

Hector Paul Flores, the vocalist for Las Cafeteras, began his career in L.A., using music, film and storytelling to elevate and bring awareness to BIPOC communities. Flores, a graduate of Cal State Long Beach and longtime community organizer, serves as the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Las Cafeteras.

Reflecting on the band’s mission, Flores said, “Really what we wanted to do is bring people together, and music was the best and funnest way to bring people together. The dance floor is the ultimate equalizer—because on the dance floor, nobody cares how much money you have or who you are.”

This free concert invited not only the campus but also the public to enjoy a nice evening on the quad. Attendees were encouraged to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs, creating a comfortable, welcoming environment.

Las Cafeteras’ music, rooted in Afro-Mexican rhythms mixed with modern beats, shared stories of their lives and the community, inspiring unity and celebration among the audience. The event was a vibrant reminder of the importance of cultural expression and the shared heritage of the Latinx community.

“I had just finished up several hours of homework in the library, and I could hear distant sounds of music,” said Candy Gutierrez-Lopez, a junior majoring in Psychology. “I walked outside and saw a crowd of people and a lit-up stage. I saw people dancing and enjoying themselves, and I wanted to take part in that too.”

Gutierrez-Lopez added that she noticed many audience members stayed after Las Cafeteras’ performance to enjoy “lively conversations,” with some people dancing and discussing their favorite songs. She believes Hispanic culture embodies warmth and community, which Las Cafeteras brought to CSU Stanislaus.

Both events captured the essence of Hispanic Heritage Month at CSU Stanislaus, uniting students and the public to celebrate Hispanic culture through music and community.