The KEAP Center was the home to this month’s Cultural Café, a monthly event where students can share their culture with other students, Cultural Café: Heart of Mexicó on April 30, 2025. This Cultural Café allowed for Jossaline Sevilla to share her knowledge of Mexicó’s history, food, traditions, music and games.
Before the event began, the KEAP was bustling. A steady line waded through the food bar as they plated chips, salsa, salsa con queso, esquites (a delicious corn salad), aqua de jamaica, and water. The low sound of regional Mexican music flowed through the room.
Sevilla started the event by giving a brief history of Mexicó and some of the important parts of Mexican culture, such as different types of music genres, foods, and games that families and kids play. Sevilla then invited those attending to play Loteria, a Mexican type of bingo, which is commonly played while families are together.
Sevilla is a third-year Spanish major and Latinx studies minor. She detailed why she wanted to host this event.
“I wanted to host a Cultural Café to share a piece of my culture with others and help them learn more about Mexican traditions in a fun and welcoming way,” Sevilla said. “It was a chance to highlight the beauty of our food, music, and history, and to create space for people to connect and ask questions.”
These events are helpful so that students are able to come to a place together to celebrate and learn.
“I think it’s important to celebrate where we come from and help others understand it too.” Sevilla said.
Jennifer Ramirez Garcia, a third-year student, shared how the event was impactful for her, although she had never attended a Cultural Café event before, the experience had inspired her to attend more.
“I really enjoyed how welcoming the event was. It was amazing to learn so much more of the beautiful celebration of Mexican culture through food and music,” Garcia said. “I learned so much more about my heritage that I didn’t know.”
Events like the Cultural Cafés are important to feature on campus so that students are able to learn more about themselves and others. Garcia exclaimed her support of these events.
“It creates a space for students from different backgrounds to share who they are and lets others listen, learn, and appreciate new cultures. Theses Cultural Cafes help build understanding and respect among the campus.” Garcia said
Sevilla added that these events are important and helpful so that students are able to build community, spark curiosity, and break down stereotypes.
“I also hope it encourages students to share their own backgrounds and stories, because everyone has something unique to offer.” Sevilla said.
Overall, the Cultural Cafés allow for students to create an environment where they are able to create community and embrace their identities while sharing their culture and traditions with others.
