Communities Gather at Fiestas de las Americas
Each year during Hispanic Heritage Month, people gather at Fiestas de las Americas in the Capitol Hill District of Oklahoma City to celebrate the rich multicultural heritage found in the state.
2019 marked the 14th year of the event, which was held on Saturday, Oct. 5, and featured live entertainment, food, vendors, Latino art, and other activities. The free festival kicked off with the Parade of the Americas, featuring floats from more than 60 participants, including the University of Oklahoma.
Various student organizations like OU’s Hispanic American Student Association (HASA) volunteer at and participate in the event. Brandon Lopez, a freshman business entrepreneurship major from Astec Charter High School in Oklahoma City, was one of the many students representing OU. Lopez volunteered with OU at Fiestas de las Americas throughout high school and was looking forward to his first time helping as a student.
For Lopez, the overall involvement and parade are his favorite aspects of the day as different organizations from all around Oklahoma City and the entire state show who they represent.
“People are there to watch, have fun, and bring their kids,” Lopez said. “For the kids it’s not only to go and have fun but also to see a different side of the culture, to see other people’s culture and be able to expand your views on where you come from, where other people come from, as well as just having a good time.”
In addition to helping with the event, Lopez has already been active at OU during his freshman year. He has attended a HASA meeting and plans to go to more and is also active with Campus Activities Council and High School Leadership Conference, Latinos Without Borders, and the Multicultural Business Program.
Lopez encouraged students to volunteer or at least attend Fiestas de las Americas in the future, especially as a way to connect with others.
“Come out and meet people, see the culture, and see the appreciation that everyone has for everyone,” Lopez shared. “It’s also being able to come to a place that is welcoming and being able to come to a place that is open-minded to where you’re coming from.”
