Factoid:Email Julio Barrenzuela for more information at [email protected]

The Fourth of July is one of the biggest celebrations in the United States. Most people are aware of this event and enjoy the fireworks and festivities that occur once a year.

However, the Latin American community and International students also have a unique Independence Day Celebration that is often overlooked.

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Julio Barrenzuela, a freshman in speech communication originally from Peru, recently attended a Latino Heritage Month meeting. At this meeting he learned that eight countries in South America celebrate Independence Day in the month of September. As the president of the Latin American Student Association, Barrenzuela wanted to make an event available to students that would educate and entertain students as they partake in a part of Latino culture.

“This event will be a great party that you can’t find anywhere else in Carbondale,” Barrenzuela said.

The celebration will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. today in the lower level of Grinnell Hall. The activity will include Mexican Dancers, Latin music and food, along with the opportunity to learn the Salsa, Samba and other dances. The countries that will be honored are Guatemala, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Costa Rica.

Carl Ervin, coordinator of Multi-Cultural Programs and Services in Student Development, helped LASA to organize the event. Ervin works with students in preparation of Latino Heritage Month as well as other heritage months that take place throughout the year.

“We just helped Julio fill out the idea and get organized,” Ervin, said. “He had the dream.”

The Residence Hall Diversity Team also assisted with the event. Assistant Housing Program Coordinator for Diversity Thomas Harris said this event would provide more diversity to the campus due to Grinnell’s location by Brush Towers.

LASA and the Residence Hall Diversity Team are planning several other cultural events this month and throughout the year. Events will include a movie night, the Evolution of Salsa and several others.

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Barrenzuela encourages students who are interested to learn more about new cultures and meet new people to attend the Independence Day event or any other Hispanic Cultural Activities.

“You don’t have to go to Columbia the meet a Columbian,” said Barrenzuela “Students can experience ‘international travel’ right here.”

Reporter Jennifer Rios can be reached at jrios@dailyegyptian .com