Student

Fiesta Primavera (spring festival), sponsored by the UW student organization MEChA (Movimiento Estuduantil Chicano de Aztlan), returns to the University of Wyoming Saturday, April 7, at 6:30 p.m.

Fiesta Primavera will include a cultural show, buffet-style banquet, guest speakers and a dance with diverse Latin music at the UW Conference Center. Doors open at 6 p.m.

A limited number of tickets are free with a valid UW identification and also are available to the public. Tickets are available through Friday, April 6, at the Wyoming Union information desk beginning at 11 a.m.

“Branching Out Our Roots” is this year’s fiesta theme.

“The theme brings attention to indigenous roots and how MEChA empowers itself to continue forward with cultural pride, awareness and engagement,” says Crystal Munoz, a co-chair of Fiesta Primavera. “It is an exploration of identities and recognizing their narrative as the community moves forward.”

Lilia Soto, a UW American studies and history associate professor, will discuss the importance and history of Latinx (gender-neutral alternative to Latino/Latina) indigeneity. The keynote speaker is Antonio Serrano, the organizer and leader of Juntos, a Cheyenne activist organization that brings awareness to Latinx issues in Wyoming.

Additional guests include Josh Sainz, MEChA’s adviser; Mariachi 307, a Cheyenne musical performance group; and folkloric dancers. Marcus Cruz, a local DJ, will provide music.

According to student organizers, Fiesta Primavera focuses on the exposure of cultural heritage of Mexican American identities as well as social issues that inhibit the growth of the community. The combination of Latin music, food, art and tradition intersect to form a cultural experience for the campus community.

For more information, email Munoz at cmunoz3@uwyo.edu.