About 300 parents, students and staff were treated to free nachos, mangos, papaya and pineapple juice and later many took in the performance of the Coco Mendoza International Dancers.
The Thursday night activities at the Southwest Campus marked the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
The dancers, composed of Colombian dancers who are college students, conducted their musical performance in the pavilion before an enthusiastic crowd.
Their dances were a reflection of Colombia folklore, traditional folk tales and stories about the country’s history and culture, some of which are common among other Latin American countries. Adelia Lopez, K-5 Southwest Campus assistant director, said Colombia folklore has strong influences from Spanish African and Native American cultures as well. Ms. Lopez, herself, is from Colombia.
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Twilet Alexander, K-5 Southwest Campus director, said this was the first year the campus “has gone far and beyond” celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by providing food and entertainment.
She also praised the dancers “for giving back to community” by taking their act to Varnett.