BC Students Participate in Events Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Last week, Bakersfield College hosted a variety of engaging and educational events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Students, staff, and community members were invited to participate in a variety of activities designed to increase awareness of Hispanic history and culture while hanging out with their fellow Renegades!
On Monday, the campus community had the opportunity to take part in Salsa dancing lessons. Participants enjoyed an afternoon of dancing, fellowship, and fun. Music filled the room, and everyone left with a better understanding of Salsa dancing – its movement, tradition, and artistic impact.
On Wednesday, BC students and staff gathered in the Fireside Room on BC’s Panorama campus to enjoy an afternoon of Loteria. Snacks were available throughout the event and winners received prizes, including BC swag. Everyone had a great time of friendly competition, whether they played a few rounds or stayed the entire afternoon.
On Thursday, the campus community was invited to celebrate and learn about Celia Cruz, a Cuban-American singer who gained popularity in the 1950’s and became known as the ‘Queen of Salsa’. Attendees enjoyed Hispanic inspired snacks while a documentary on the singer played in the background. The food selection included plantains, Cuban sandwiches, aguas frescas, horchata, and a variety of other delicious offerings. They also had the opportunity to contribute artistically to a colorful mural of Celia Cruz.
Llara Arias, Department Assistant for EOPS, helped coordinate the event celebrating Celia Cruz. She talked about how the event came about and why it was important for students. “For Hispanic Heritage Month, it made a lot of sense to highlight different artists; and we chose Celia Cruz,” she said, “I love her vibe, her vibrancy, her joyousness, and I think she truly embodies what it is to be Hispanic. I think it’s important to know who she is, her impact and the joy that she spread. That was really the thought process behind the hosting this event.”
Bakersfield College will continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month throughout the month of October. There are a variety of events including crafting, movie screenings, trivia, Cafecito, and more. Please visit the BC online events calendar for more details.
