Long Beach, Ca – On October 18th, the Wilson High School auditorium transformed into a vibrant celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, thanks to an event hosted by Club Hermanos Unidos, with Bruins International and special guests from California State University, Long Beach. The afternoon was filled with traditional Mexican music, vibrant folkloric dances, and cultural heritage that many in the Wilson community cherish.
Valeria Antillon President and Alejandro Martinez Vice President of Hermanos Unidos, opened the event with warm welcomes and expressed their gratitude to the administration, Bruins International, and Hermanos Unidos Members for making this event possible. “I think a reason why a village helped in the making was because we wanted to commemorate and thank the cultural identity of hundreds of bruins that walk everyday on campus” Alejandro Martinez, Senior in the Wave pathway stated. Two students, showcasing the pride and skill of their club, kicked off an exciting series of performances.
The show continued with Reyno Mella, who captivated the audience with an impressive freestyle performance. A talented student then performed a heartfelt version of “Amor Eterno” and “Como La Flor,” two well known songs that represent everlasting love and desire. The powerful emotions in these songs really moved the audience, and everyone took a moment to enjoy the deep cultural meaning behind the music.
A highlight of the afternoon was the arrival of Mariachi Los Tiburones from CSULB, accompanied by dancers from Grupo Folklórico Mexica. Together, they brought life to the stage with their traditional attire, spirited music, and intricate dance steps. The performers opened with “Toro Viejo,” a song familiar to many in the audience. Two charros, dressed in striking black outfits, led the dance, adding a dramatic touch to the performance. The mariachi performers shared stories and background on the song, explaining how it celebrates the spirit of bravery and heritage, capturing the audience’s attention with its rich cultural significance.
Another song, “Siempre Viva,” was sung with a lot of feeling, sharing a tale of love that was so strong it could never be forgotten. The mariachi group’s energy really moved the crowd, making the day even more special. Then, folkloric dancers dressed in white came out to perform “El Colas,” a classic piece from Veracruz. They showed off the well known “jarabe” dance style, celebrating the deep musical heritage of Veracruz.
The performance also included a part about “El Coco,” also known as “El Cucuy,” which is a legendary figure in Mexican culture that holds both fear and fascination. The dancers shared information about this mythical character, helping the audience understand its cultural importance and the role of storytelling in Hispanic traditions.
Wilson’s Folkloric group joined CSULB’s dancers on stage, making the performance even more thrilling. The dancers wore bright, different colors, turning the stage into a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture. After that, Wilson’s dancers did a solo performance, showing off their love and hard work in traditional dance. The crowd cheered loudly, really enjoying the amazing teamwork and Wilson’s effort to celebrate Hispanic heritage.
The afternoon went on with lively dances to “El Cascabel” and “Cielito Lindo,” as Wilson students hopped on stage to join the mariachi and dance teams. To wrap up the event in a lovely way, all the dancers and performers came together, to thank the audience for sharing in this special celebration.
This event was not only an opportunity for Wilson students to enjoy vibrant music and dancing but also a way for them to feel connected to the traditions, stories, and rich heritage of Hispanic culture. “The ability to uplift everyone’s spirit in the process of uplifting one culture demonstrates the unity that Hispanic culture provides to multitudes of people” stated Alejandro Martinez. Moments like these make Hispanic Heritage Month a cherished time on campus, bringing students, faculty, and performers together in a spirit of appreciation and unity.
