‘Embrace your traditions’: WSU students bring cultures together for Hispanic Heritage Month

OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) — Hispanic Heritage Month kicked off on Sept. 15, just like it does every year. It starts on that date to align with the Independence Day of several Latin American countries. To celebrate the month, students at Weber State University have helped organize activities, programs, and events for students and for the entire Ogden community.

A few of those students met ABC4’s Kade Garner to explain what the month means to them.  

“We want not only students here, but the community, regardless of background, to come and celebrate with us our heritage,” stated Hispanic Area Council President Anayeli Rodriguez.  

For Rodriguez, part of celebrating her heritage means remembering those who came before her to give her the life she has as a second-generation American. 

“If it wasn’t for my great grandparents and grandparents’ investment in starting that foundation here in the U.S., I don’t think I would have the same opportunities I have now,” she said. “I’m very grateful for the legacy my family has done for generations.”  

It’s also about having pride in others’ success.

“Also being able to showcase that different individuals are contributing to the economy but also to the cultural fabric of Ogden and Weber State,” stated Wildcat Scholars Success Coordinator Pedro Rico.  

For Rico, the month highlights how cultures give and take from one another and how they can lift each other up. It’s also a reminder to hold on to important traditions.

“I have a sense of pride in thinking that, or knowing that, we continue to hold these practices like how we come together, how do we celebrate, how do we hold each other as a community, and continue to share those practices for future generations,” he added.  

The month is also about personal connection.   

“I was not connected to my family a lot, physically, so I had to connect through other things like my traditions, so that’s where all the connections started from,” Hispanic Senator Julio Valencia said.  

For Valencia, it wasn’t until adulthood that he started to connect to his Latino roots, and he hopes Hispanic Heritage Month can help others do the same. 

“First of all, everyone is welcome,” Valencia shared. “Second of all, you don’t have to wear something like this or wear colors (he said while dressed in a traditional traje de charro). You can just be yourself because that’s what a Mexican is, being yourself and feeling like yourself in your own skin; that’s what being a Mexican is all about. Also, embrace your traditions.”  

The events throughout the month include a ballet folklórico this coming Saturday. To read the program for the events, click here.