Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff at El Camino College
Hispanic Heritage Month began at El Camino College on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Student Services plaza. The celebration featured a live DJ, a band, refreshments, educational workshops, and a lowrider classic car show.
Events and Activities
The month is filled with various events, including the opening of a new exhibit at the ECC Art Gallery, which will be available until October 15. Curated by ECC student Sophia Cervantes, the exhibit showcases works by Latino students, alumni, and community members that reflect themes of identity, milestones, cultural traditions, and resistance.
Highlights from the Event:
- Live Performances: Music majors Alejandro Gonzales and Josias Canul-Marchand performed as part of a group named “Jalepeno Peppers.”
Music students Alejandro (left) and Josias (right) during their performance. (Steven Berumen | The Union)
- Cultural Exhibits: Various artistic expressions were displayed, emphasizing the cultural importance of lowriding as a symbol of family and identity.
Lowriding reflects cultural identity and Chicano history. (Steven Berumen | The Union)
Craft Activities
Attendees participated in craft-making sessions, creating pipe cleaner flowers, symbolizing creativity and cultural expression.
Pipe Cleaner Flower making at the craft table. (Riley Abrams | The Union)
Literature Showcase
The ECC Schauerman Library presented a selection of books written by Hispanic authors, all available for checkout.
Books by Hispanic authors showcased at the library. (Riley Abrams | The Union)
Food and Community
Food trucks, such as Los Guajolotas, provided delicious refreshments, drawing attendees to experience the flavors of Hispanic culture.
Visitors enjoying food from the Los Guajolotas food truck. (Riley Abrams | The Union)
Community Engagement
Participants reaffirmed their cultural roots by displaying their creations and sharing experiences, demonstrating the importance of community and cultural identity.
Students Danielle Rosenberg and Natalie Munoz Servin with their crafts. (Riley Abrams | The Union)
This event marked the beginning of a month dedicated to celebrating Hispanic heritage, fostering community engagement and appreciation for cultural diversity.
