The Latinx Heritage Month Kickoff started strong with a long line of students in front of California State University, Bakersfield’s Student Union. The kickoff didn’t start until 1:00 p.m., but students were ready to celebrate the beginning of something special.

As music played loudly, food from El Pollo Riko was being served. There was chicken, rice, beans, salsa, salad, and plantains. Then, to wash everything down, there was Agua Fresca from Vallarta being served as well.  

“It was a great turnout, there were a lot of students thankfully to enjoy some delicious food from El Pollo Riko. Personally, I really love that place because it’s a pretty diverse Latino restaurant, it has food from Central America and South America, so I thought it was a perfect fit for today’s event,” said graduate student leader for Campus Programming, Rossely Cruiz  

The seating right outside of the Student Union was filled with students, staff and faculty. As chatter filled the area, so did the cultural Spanish music.  

When asked how she felt about this month’s events, CSUB senior accounting major Andrea Bautista said, “I feel really excited because as a Latina woman I am proud that our school is representing the different cultures on campus.” Bautista is also looking forward to Loteria night.  

Not only were there students in attendance, but also staff and faculty. They stood amongst the students in line to get a plate of food. Accountant Elana Moreno said, “I like how they give back to the students, staff and faculty and remember the Latinx Heritage month.”   

This event was a great way for the Latinx community and others to come together and enjoy each other’s company.