Come to Pachanga!

Hispanic Heritage Month, starting from September 15 to October 15, is a nationally recognized period of observance in the United States of America. It began in 1968 under president Lyndon B. Johnson as a week, and later on in 1988, was extended to a month by president Ronald Reagan. During this month, we celebrate and acknowledge the achievements, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx individuals in various fields. 

These celebrations vary in form across the country, many of which include festivals, parades, and educational exhibits that spread awareness and recognition to the rich histories of these groups of people. Additionally, the duration of Hispanic Heritage Month spans over the independence of several Latin American countries such as Mexico, Chile, Honduras, etc.

Here at KSJC, we have our own special way of celebrating this month known as Pachanga which will be happening on October 24 from 5-8pm. Pachanga is a festival hosted by our Spanish Department and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica Club(SHH). I actually got a chance to ask the president of SHH, Rogelio, about why they host the event. He states, “Pachanga is a time for students and families to come together and enjoy the festivities SHH & The Spanish Department has to offer in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month…Our school has a diverse demographic, and through events like these, I believe it helps bring representation of these cultures into our school and allows us to bring a piece of our roots wherever we go.” And he’s right, KSJC is a school filled with people from different backgrounds, backgrounds that are important to each of our identities, and should be remembered and honored.

When I asked why people should come, he responded, “I believe students should come because it's an opportunity to enjoy music, food, and the other activities Pachanga has to offer. Often in school, it can be hard to have casual conversations unrelated to classes, tests, or presentations.” As he says, you can immerse yourself in a variety of activities at Pachanga. For instance, Pachanga will feature a performance from the school’s Chamber Choir as they sing “Dreaming of You” by Selena, as well as dances performed by our school’s Folklorio Club. Many clubs will also be fundraising during this time with plenty of food, snacks, drinks, and games that you can indulge in. While Pachanga may be an event hosted to commemorate the cultures of certain individuals, it also serves as a way to experience said culture and interact with others, fostering bonds and values KSJC promotes students to share. 

The event is open to all students and their families, so don’t be afraid to bring your parents, siblings, cousins, you name it, and all experience the festivities of Pachanga together. Come enjoy the ambiance, try new cuisine, make memories while having fun with your friends, and support Hispanic Heritage Month with your presence and patronage. Another incentive for any of you who are in Mr. Garcia’s advisory, he states, “If you come to Pachanga, I’ll give you extra Wolfies,” so make sure to attend. Rogelio also provides some closing words: “Opportunities like these allow you to talk to people you usually wouldn't talk to in school, or simply spend time with friends, enjoying the sunset, alongside the activities that SHH & The Spanish Department work hard to provide KSJC with.” In all, if you have the time to make it, and want to be a part in our celebrations of Hispanic Heritage, come to Pachanga! It will surely be an event you don’t want to miss. You have nothing to lose with many experiences and memories to be made.