NESPA Winner: Localizing, 2023

The Cypress, Brookline High School, Brookline, MA

Over one hundred people danced, ate and enjoyed live performances in the STEM wing during the Latinx Fiesta on Thursday, Nov. 10. The event was organized by the Latinx and Allies Club and began at 6 p.m, lasting several hours.

The club successfully spread the word in advance of the event: a wide variety of students, parents and teachers came to support and celebrate the Latinx community.

Dance group Cantico danced to four songs, each by a Latinx or Hispanic artist. School Within a School band “4th Floor Gents” also performed live while attendees ate dinner.

The Latinx and Allies Club charged a $5 entry fee with all funds going to aid Venezuelan immigrants. The club is open to suggestions for where specifically to direct the money.

Anna’s Taqueria and Sol Azteca donated food for the event. Several families brought dishes representative of their cultures. Senior, club member and Cantico dancer Alana Lorenz Gerena made coquito, a beverage home to her native Puerto Rico. Lorenz Gerena said this event is a way for the Latinx community to share their culture with the rest of the school.

“It’s good to not always focus on all the stereotypes and microaggressions and all those things that we face. It’s good to have a celebration that brings the community together rather than talking about all of the challenges that we face,” Lorenz Gerena said.

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