It is that time of the year. The best time of the year.

As we (hopefully) settle into our semester, the seasons change, our classes speed up, and life becomes unpredictable. But one thing is for sure: Hispanic Heritage Month is here, bringing with it a vibrant celebration of culture, history, and community at Columbia. From September 15 to October 15, the Hispanic community revels in dance, food, and festivities. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate or are just curious about the Hispanic community at Columbia (I promise we are very fun), look no further!

A fantastic way to engage with Hispanic culture is through the various organizations on campus. CU SOL (Student Organization of Latines) is a great starting point, hosting a variety of events—from the recent Latine Olympics to an outing at Yankee Stadium—making it a lively hub for Latine culture and connection.

Another key player is CU Alianza, Columbia’s pan-Latine student organization. This group unites students from diverse backgrounds to promote cultural awareness and support, organizing events that celebrate the richness of Latine cultures.

For those interested in artistic expression, CU Amarte offers a space for creativity within the Latine community. This collective encourages students to showcase their talents and connect through the arts, fostering a sense of belonging.

Additionally, Barnard Mujeres is an organization that empowers and promotes awareness to different Latine identities at Barnard College and Columbia University. They aim to cultivate long-lasting connections between current students and alumni. Mujeres also hosts various events throughout the year, like game nights, vision board making, empowerment brunches, picnics in Riverside, and potlucks.

If you’re looking for more specific cultural engagement, explore groups like the Chicanx Caucus, which focuses on Mexican heritage, the Haitian Student Organization (HSA), the Caribbean Student Organization (CSA), and the newly created Ecuadorian Student Association. Each of these organizations collaborates with others to create a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and support.

Through these organizations, you’ll hopefully find and engage with many more members and groups that share your background. Keep an eye out for their flyers and follow their social media to stay updated on all the exciting events planned for this month! 

Hispanic Heritage via Flickr