Hispanic Heritage Month at Crafton Hills College

Publish Date: Oct. 15, 2025

Crafton Hills College hosted a series of vibrant events that brought students, faculty, and staff together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. From September 15 to October 15, the United States honors the contributions of people whose forbearers came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America (The National Museum of the American Latino).

The month-long celebration began with an opening ceremony on Monday, September 22 at the newly opened campus Multicultural Center. Alex Jaco, Adult Education Counselor, shared insights on the culture and history of El Salvador while attendees enjoyed pupusas, a traditional Salvadorian dish.

On September 29 the Multicultural Center was filled with music, featuring Mariachi US. Later in the week students had the opportunity to visit The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture in Riverside for free. An online screening of “The Cheech” documentary was available for all students on October 7. On Thursday, October 16 during an Immigrant Experience Panel, panelists shared stories of resilience and belonging. The event concluded with a lively game of Lotería (Mexican bingo).

Throughout the month students tapped into their creativity at the Lele Doll Craft Workshop, where Computer Science Professor Sandra Ruiz and Instructional Scheduling Analyst Elizabeth Lopez guided participants in making traditional Mexican dolls. There was also a Reggaeton Dance Workshop that got everyone moving to the vibrant rhythms of Latin music.

The celebration will continue throughout the month of October with a Dia De Los Muertos Celebration on Tuesday, October 28th, complete with ofrendas (an altar-like display set up for the holiday), music, food, and reflection on the beauty of cultural remembrance.