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The lively sounds of Mexican folk music, the colorful costumes and rhythms of Latin American dance and the smells of authentic Latino snacks will fill Southwest Baptist University’s Goodson Student Union at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18.
Sponsored by the SBU International Club and Iglesia Cristiana, Casa de Oración, a Spanish-speaking church in Springfield, the second annual Festival Latino celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month.
The Mariachi Band, “Herencia Mexicana,” is from Jalisco, Mexico, while members of the church will provide folk dances and Latino snacks.
Perry Tompkins, dean of the College of Math and Science and adviser to the SBU International Club, is a member of the church.
Tompkins said the club, which promotes learning about world cultures while celebrating diversity, is open to all students with an interest in other cultures.
“We want U.S. students as much as international students,” he said.
Students interested in learning more about the club’s activities can contact Tompkins or club president Katrina Laffoon.
“Our first meeting is Sept. 25 at 6 p.m.,” Laffoon said. “Each meeting has a country focus and we learn Latin American dances at the end.”
The club meets on the last Thursday of each month in room 144 of the Wheeler Building.