Elon University celebrates the vibrant culture, diverse histories and valuable contributions of the Latinx and Hispanic community in the United States.
Elon University welcomes students, faculty and staff to participate in events honoring Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM). El Centro will host a month-long celebration for the community to explore, engage and appreciate the Latinx and Hispanic cultures beginning Sept. 10 through Oct. 18.
Enacted into law on August 17, 1988, President Ronald Reagan changed Hispanic Heritage Week to Hispanic Heritage Month. Americans now observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept.15th to Oct. 15th. Sept.15th holds special importance as it marks the independence anniversaries of several Latin American nations, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Additionally, Mexico and Chile commemorate their independence on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18.
This annual celebration highlights the diversity, history, and achievements of the Latinx/Hispanic community. It allows the Elon Community to acknowledge the struggles and triumphs of Latinx and Hispanic individuals.
Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 events at Elon
Professor Tita Ramirez Presents: Faculty Fiction Reading
Tuesday, Sept. 10 | McBride Gathering Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion | 7 p.m.
Celebrate the arrival of Tita Ramirez’s debut novel, Tell It To Me Singing, an inventive work of fiction filled with passion, love and questions of identity. Tita Ramirez, a professor of English at Elon, grew up in Miami; her novel focuses on a Cuban American family in Miami whose personal and cultural obsessions are dizzyingly alive.
Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-off Festival
Friday, Sept. 13 | Alumni Gym | 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Have some fun at the kickoff of Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the independence of many countries! There will be live performances, music, food, vendors, and more.
Paletas En El Patio
Monday, Sept. 16 | Lakeside Patio | 4 – 5 p.m.
Come learn more about the Latinx-Hispanic Union, and our signature event, La Habana, while enjoying yummy paletas.
College Coffee (Hispanic Heritage Month themed)
Tuesday, Sept. 17 | Phi Beta Kappa Commons | 9:40 – 10:20 a.m.
Join us for a special Hispanic Heritage Month-themed college coffee and enjoy some popular Hispanic breakfast items.
Latinx Hispanic Union’s (LHU) Birthday Celebration
Tuesday, Sept. 17 | Outside Mooney | 5 – 6 p.m.
Come celebrate the creation of LHU with cake and piñatas.
Hispanic Heritage Month Book Display
Sept. 17 – Oct. 4 | Belk Library
Come check out books written by Latinx/Hispanic authors, as well as audiobooks on the Libby app.
Jarabe Mexicano
Wednesday, Sept. 18 | McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts | 7:30 p.m.
Jarabe Mexicano captures the nostalgic spirit of their border roots with their brand of “Bordeño-Soul,” which honors the musical tastes and cultural influences of its members. Jarabe highlights the eclectic mix of genres they perform, ranging from Mexican folk, rock & roll, norteño/tex-mex, Latin rock, trio ramántico and popular Cumbia. Their traditional Mariachi string instruments and norteño-inspired drums complement dramatic vocals in English, Spanish and Spanglish, and show how this multi-generational ensemble embraces change while still honoring the past. Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Tickets are available here.
La Habana
Friday, Sept. 20 | Taphouse | 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
The Latinx-Hispanic Union is throwing their semesterly dance party with great Latinx music and free food!
Perspectivas: Deliberative Dialouge
Wednesday, Sept. 25 | McKinnon F | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
An opportunity for Latinx/Hispanic students to have a deliberative dialogue on the topic of Machismo.
Latinx/Hispanic Employee Resource Group Event
Thursday, Sept. 26| Irazu | 4:15 – 5 p.m.
Join us for free coffee and pastries from a local bakery while networking with other faculty and staff on campus.
Making the Invisible Visible: German/Jewish Migration
Tuesday, Oct. 1 | LaRose Student Commons 200 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
This lecture will analyze different emigration routes and entry points to Latin America from Nazi Germany and how people adapted to life on a new continent whilst examining the different contexts of urban centers such as Buenos Aires (Argentina), Montevideo (Uruguay) and São Paulo (Brazil). This lecture will also raise questions about the long-term consequences of flight and forced migration.
Latinx/Hispanic Identity Panel
Tuesday, Oct. 1 | Mckinnon F | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Learn about the complexity and intersectionality of Latinx/Hispanic identities. There will be a panel formed by Elon students, faculty and staff who identify as Latinx/Hispanic.
HHM Themed Bingo: Loteria!
Thursday, Oct. 3 | Mckinnon | 10:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Enjoy the night playing a traditional Mexican game, Loteria! You have the chance to win some amazing prizes.
Café con Leche
Monday, Oct. 7 | El Centro (Carlton 114) | 5:30 – 7 p.m.
This forum is a space for all students, with a focus on Latinx/Hispanic students and community. It’s an opportunity to learn from each other and help create a support system at Elon.
La Pulga
Tuesday, Oct. 15 | Medallion Plaza | 4 – 6 p.m.
Enjoy the Latinx/Hispanic version of a Flea Market! We will have different student organizations, departments and vendors.
Gala Latina
Friday, Oct. 18 | LaRose Commons | 6 – 9 p.m.
A celebration of Latinx/Hispanic student success. This event is dedicated to the empowerment of students, faculty, and staff who identify as Latinx/Hispanic.