Cultural Programming

Latin American Independences Celebration—Day of Pride!

This beautiful celebration tends to occur during the days of September 15 or 16th, because most Central American countries celebrate their independence on September 15th, and Mexico celebrates their Independence during September 16th. In order to bring all Latino/as together and also raise awareness of the diversity within the Latino/a community at USC, the celebration will expand to include all Latin-American countries, whether they are from the Caribbean, Central/South America, or Mexico. Also, ALL USC community members are invited to show their pride from all the various countries and cultures that represent Latino/as, many do so by participating in sharing historical information about a country they are connected to, others will wear something that reflects their pride in a country and others will find out more about how they can get involved in the various clubs/organizations that are a part of the event, while also discovering new foods and sounds and or savoring these moments that remind them of their roots and of home. This event will be held in collaboration with El Centro Chicano, The Latino Floors, and all the clubs/organizations that create the Latino Student Assembly (LSA).

Dia de los Muertos

The Celebration of El Día de los Muertos comes from the Aztec tradition of celebrating death as a stage in the constant cycle of life. To the Aztecs worshipping death involved worshipping life, and so the skull as a symbol of death, was the promise of rebirth. The annually held Dia de los Muertos celebration is the collaboration between El Centro Chicano, the Latino Floors, and the Latino Student Association (LSA).

Residents of the Latino Floors play an integral role in the bicultural celebration of Dia de los Muertos and Halloween. Celebrating El Día de los Muertos gives residents on the Latino Floors an opportunity to share their culture with fellow residents as well as members in the community. They explain history, build altars, and practice the rituals of the indigenous holiday. They also celebrate the American Halloween event, by configuring a haunted house and giving treats to visitor. Residents also involve local community children with the tours of the altars and haunted house.

La Posada

Since December 1999, El Centro Chicano has hosted "La Posada" in collaboration with the Latino Parents Association, Latina/o Student Assembly and the Mexican American Alumni Programs. La Posada is a Mexican holiday tradition in which participants symbolically retrace the steps of the Virgin Mary and Joseph on the night that the baby Jesus was born. In candlelight procession, a couple dressed as Mary and Joseph lead followers from house to house seeking refuge. USC students, faculty, and staff members are invited to participate in La Posada along with family and local community members. Although tradition calls for La Posada to begin on December 17th, USC celebrates it on the first Friday in December, in order to allow students proper study time before finals.