Empire State University Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – October 13, 2023) National Hispanic Heritage month is celebrated to pay tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.  

Empire State University is celebrating its Hispanic faculty, staff, students and alumni by spotlighting their stories on traditions they uphold. Read Visiting Assistant Professor in the School of Arts and Humanities Raul Manzano’s story below, and check back during the course of the month as we update this page with more stories.  

“The Hispanic Heritage Celebration is a time when I immerse myself in the rich tapestry of my Colombian culture, a reminder of the traditions and customs I hold dear from my home country. As Hispanic Heritage Month dawns, the atmosphere becomes infused with a sense of nostalgia, anticipation, and connection as I prepare to join family members and friends in celebrating our heritage. It's a time to savor our favorite cuisine, move to the rhythm of our beloved Cumbia music, and weave the stories of our family into the larger narrative of Hispanic culture in the United States. 

One of the most significant aspects of our heritage is the celebration of "El Dia de la Raza" on October 12th. This day holds a special place in our hearts as we pay homage to our ancestors and the melding of cultures that occurred during Christopher Columbus's accidental voyage. It marked the fusion of indigenous peoples and Spanish Europeans, giving rise to the mestizo group that defines much of Latin America's identity. European countries followed, their presence intertwined with the indigenous population, and the involuntary transatlantic slave trade added yet another layer to this complex tapestry. As a result, Hispanics and Latinos, including those from the Caribbean, come in a wide spectrum of hues, ranging from black and mahogany to brown, beige, and lattes. The diversity in our appearance mirrors the rich diversity in our culture and history, and it's common to see this interracial variety among members of any Latino family. 

The celebration begins with the tantalizing aroma of breakfast wafting through the air. My oldest sister takes charge of preparing our favorite morning meal, arepas. These golden, savory delights are crafted from a mixture of corn flour, eggs, cheese, salt, butter, and a touch of brown sugar. Shaped into round, flat discs, they sizzle on a hot surface until they reach a perfect crust. Accompanied by chorizos and coffee, this breakfast packs an adrenaline punch, ensuring that our day starts on the right foot, even if our cholesterol levels might protest. 

Lunch and dinner are no less impressive. The dining table groans under the weight of a spread that includes beans (black or red), fluffy rice, seasoned yuca or cassava drizzled with garlic, salt, and olive oil and garnished with fragrant cilantro, crispy fried sweet plantains, succulent pork chops, and a fresh salad. As we savor these mouthwatering dishes, the rhythm of our heritage fills the air. We dance and sing, sharing stories with the younger generation. And, of course, we gather for the obligatory family photo, capturing the joy and togetherness of the occasion. 

To round off the festivities and tantalize our palates, we indulge in flan, that silky, caramel-topped custard that melts in your mouth. It's accompanied by strong espresso coffee and a scoop of creamy ice cream, a delightful indulgence that awakens the senses. 

Beyond the culinary delights, I also revel in the celebration of Latino cultures because it's a testament to the birth of many nations across the Americas and the Caribbean. Attending art exhibitions becomes a journey through our collective creativity and talent, a showcase of the artists who carry our stories forward. I'm reminded that Latinos are united not only by a common language but also by traditions that bridge the gaps between us. We are the second largest ethnic group in the United States, and our contributions in various fields have left an indelible mark on American society, shaping and influencing it in countless ways. 

The Hispanic Heritage Celebration is not just a series of events and meals; it's a deeply emotional and cultural experience that ties me to my roots, my family, and a vast and vibrant community. It's a time to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a future where our traditions continue to thrive and enrich the diverse tapestry of American culture.” 

Read Assistant Professor of Marketing and International Business Luis Camacho's perspective below: 

"It is a great joy for me and my family to have the opportunity of celebrating our roots during the Hispanic Heritage Month. During this time, we take many occasions to celebrate traditions and, most importantly, family. 

Honoring our parents, grandparents, and other adult family members who impacted our childhood is part of our traditions.  We take every special opportunity to meet with family to celebrate and keep our customs alive.  I would like to note that part of our tradition is to celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day on the dates that they are celebrated back home.  Music is also a strong link to keeping our heritage.  Listening to the songs our parents listened to lets us feel connected to our past generations and, simultaneously, becomes a way of passing that tradition to our children.

We take every opportunity to celebrate our roots.  Holidays are always a reason to meet with family and enjoy the delicious dishes from our culture.  During these gatherings, the stories about our ancestors are always present, and we enjoy eating traditional dishes such as 'sancocho' (Caribbean meat and vegetables stew), 'arroz con habichuelas' (white rice and stewed beans), 'puerco asado' (roast pork), 'moro de habicuelas' (rice and beans), and many others.  For example, we celebrate 'Noche Buena' (Christmas Eve) with a big feast during Christmas.  We enjoy the same dishes and listen to very specific Christmas Songs that have been popular for over 40 years.  These traditions are kept in the majority of Hispanic households.  It is a way of honoring and celebrating our roots, but also a way to pass them on to our future generations."