UC Merced's Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations got off to a lively, colorful start on Tuesday, with a performance by Mariachi Los Bobcats, food and tabling in the university's Conference Center.
Attendees received a Loteria-themed T-shirt and were entered into a raffle drawing for a special deck and player cards of the Mexican bingo-like game.
Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated nationally from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to history, culture and advancement.
Events such as Tuesday's are important because they build connection and are an opportunity to learn, said Delia Saenz, vice chancellor and chief diversity officer.
"We want all people to come to our events," she said. "We are a diverse campus and we want to share information on all of our cultures."
Organizations such as Student Involvement, the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science and the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Center hosted informational tables with giveaways that included sugar candy in University of California blue and gold. Library staff brought books that could be checked out on site.
Before performing, members of Mariachi Los Bobcats talked about their organization, the music they perform and the tradition and history behind it. The organization began in 2025, when they loosely started gathering before taking part in - and winning - the Bobcats Got Talent show. That earned them the opportunity to open for the campus's Cowtopia concert.
For many of them, mariachi music is an important connection to their culture.
Band member Aaron Diaz said his grandparents speak only Spanish, a language in which he is not fluent. But his grandmother asked him to play a song.
"It really helped me see what this club can bring," he said. "Being a part of this club gives me that Latino pride I carry with me every single time I perform with this group."
Mariachi Los Bobcats practices Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. in Granite Pass 170. Rehearsals, and the club, are open to all.
Several other events are set to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month:
Sept. 20: Folklororista Picnic, hosted by Ballet Folklórico , 3 to 8 p.m. at Lake Yosemite. Open to club members and anyone who would like to join. The club will provide burgers, drinks and board games. Attendees are invited to bring fruit, chips, or desserts.
Oct. 1: Food for Thought: Reel Roots - Latinx Stories of Film & Identity, 6 p.m. Conference Center, Room 105. Reel Roots will explore Latinx identity, storytelling and representation through film and conversation. The program will feature Professor Gabriel Durán and filmmaker Eugenia Rentería, with UC Merced Dining Chef Maria Maravilla preparing pozole for the accompanying reception. This event is presented through the Food for Thought series in collaboration with UC Merced's Division of Equity, Justice and Inclusive Excellence. Attendees are asked to RSVP in advance.
Oct. 15: Latinx Heritage Luncheon, noon to 1:30 p.m. in Administration Building, room 306. Know someone amazing at UC Merced? Nominate them to be an honoree at theLuncheon. Honorees will be recognized for their impact and will share their unique stories during a brief table discussion. Nominations are being accepted now; deadline to submit is Sept. 21.
