Bright skirts twirled and heels struck the floor in rhythm as students, families and faculty packed into the student union Saturday afternoon.
The sounds of live folklorico filled room SU-109, drawing cheers and applause that set the tone for Los Medanos College’s Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff.
Hosted by the Puente Learning Community, the Sept. 16 celebration brought together campus clubs, cultural traditions and community pride.
The event marked the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, and centered around a vibrant performance by the Pittsburg High School folklorico program.
Folklorico is a traditional style of Mexican folk dance recognized for colorful costumes, rhythmic footwork and storytelling through movement.
It often serves as a cultural touchstone during Hispanic Heritage Month, embodying the history and traditions of Mexico and other Latin American regions.
Eugenia Rodriguez, founder of the Pittsburg High program, reflected on its growth over the years.
“We started with nothing, we had no outfits, we had nothing,” Rodriguez said. “But, we worked through and finally, after 17 years, we now are able to have different states.”
Rodriguez was happy to note that the folklorico program was now able to include the traditions from more countries’ folklorico culture. “But now I have included El Salvador and Guatemala, and now this year we’re gonna try Colombia. We’re trying to make it more unique and more inclusive.”
Citlali Gallo, a Pittsburg High alumni and dancer, said returning to teach in the program has been a way to share culture and expand its reach. “Being able to dance folklorico is an opportunity to show that,” Gallo said. “Not a lot of people realize that there’s so much diversity. They think of Mexico and they think of one thing, but there’s so much more to it.”
The performance featured dances from several Mexican states, including Veracruz, Guerrero and Jalisco. Rodriguez said each region’s costume, colors and footwork reflect its unique heritage. “Each dance tells a story,” she said. “So they’re acting and dancing and telling a story.” The Puente Learning Community organized the kickoff with co-coordinator and English professor Yollotl Lopez, who emphasized the importance of cultural celebrations on campus. “People are yearning for some way to engage in cultural pride,” Lopez said. “People have pride in who they are and their culture even if who they are is being targeted.”
Along with the dancing, the Kapwa Club fundraised during the event, and refreshments like horchata were sold. For students, it was not only an evening of performance and food but also an affirmation of cultural identity and community connection.
