Celebrating Latino Culture

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VAMOS A BAILAR: Latinos in Action and Spanish Honor Society students dance together to popular Colombian song, “Ras Tas Tas”. The students began dancing together following their performances, inviting family and friends to dance along. Photo by Amanda Carrillo

By: Mia Villegas and Templar Henry

On the evening of December 13, 2024, the Spanish Honor Society (SHS) hosted their annual Festival de Vida y Ritmo, celebrating the rich and diverse latin culture at West Broward. The festival was filled with families, food and music, making for a night filled with fun and love.

Every year, SHS hosts this festival for the community at West Broward and across Pembroke Pines. This year, the festival was more lively than ever, boasting the largest turnout in its history. The festival displayed over twenty clubs and vendors, and showcased three different bands along with performances from students a part of both SHS and Latinos in Action (LIA).

“This is definitely our biggest event. Our goal has always been to bring the community in on campus to see what we’re all about.” explained World Language Department Chair and Spanish Honor Society advisor, Eileen Torracca. “Last year we had a really good event, we even had other schools come in as a part of it. This year we successfully recaptured that magic.”

SHS spent over five months planning and preparing for the event, making sure to focus on illuminating Latino culture in every piece of the festival. However, planning did not come without its troubles. After many cancelled school days and meetings, the group struggled to meet deadlines and reach their goals. SHS’ president, Amanda Carrillo, had to make difficult decisions in the process, rescheduling meetings and continuing contact with vendors and clubs through disaster. And through the obstacles, the team was able to communicate and succeed in their efforts.

“We overcame these obstacles through collaborative effort, open communication, and unwavering support for one another. I am incredibly proud of our team’s hard work and commitment to delivering an exceptional event,” said senior SHS President, Amanda Carrillo.

Finally, the time had come and the Festival was back on track after the club set a new date. The event began at four PM, and the sidewalks were filled with excited clubs, vendors, and small businesses waiting for the participants. There were performances from small, local bands such as Last Minute and 261 Music, followed by dance performances by members of West Broward’s LIA, SHS and a performance of the traditional Colombian dance, Folclorico, by First Last. Additionally, restaurants such as Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Chick-Fil-A and Jamaican Beef sold delicious treats.

“I think this whole event was pretty cool.” said West Broward Senior, Luis Arias. “It was fun watching the bands play, and some of the food was really good. Especially the beef empanadas.”

The Festival de Vida y Ritmo not only serves as an opportunity for students to experience Latino culture outside of school, but also brings together a community of diverse cultures and allows Latino students to showcase their culture. From the dances, food, and music, the festival allows students from all cultures to feel comfortable and build a community of peers who understand each other and indulge in one anothers’ traditions, a crucial part of the culture at West Broward.

“The Festival is one of the big parts of our club, but we are built on the diversity that we bring into our society,” said Señora Torraca. “It’s a great way for students to come in and be able to not only earn community service hours, but be an active member of our school.”