2026 Celebration
“Amor Hacia Mi Bandera”
As Latinos, our heritage is diverse with many beautiful cultures that span throughout Latin America. Though every country is different we stand with one another with love in our heart. We use our country flags to represent our passion and love for our cultures. Join the Latino Student Association in celebrating the roots that intertwine us as Latinos, and distinguish our uniqueness. Everyone is invited to observe, appreciate, and embrace the cultures that nourish Latino students at the University of Mary Washington.
Kick-off Celebration
Tuesday, September 15 | 4:00 p.m. | Ball Circle
Rain location: Chandler Ballroom, Cedric Rucker University Center
Join us for an exciting kick-off event filled with games, lively music, and food! Meet the Latino Student Association Executive Board and learn what LSA has to offer. We cannot wait to see you there!
Latino Identities Month Major Performance: Quimbao Latin Band
Saturday, September 19 | 7 p.m. | The Underground, Lee Hall
Quimbao Latin Band was founded by band leader, director, producer and pianist, Oscar Perez, who is originally from Lima, Peru, in the spring of 2000. With more than 30 years in the music industry, Mr. Perez has performed with notorious Peruvian bands, such as Sarabanda, La Novel, Orquesta Saraguey, and La Rebelion, among others. Mr. Perez has produced two records, which awarded him recognition in Miami, Florida.
Upon arrival to the United States, Mr. Perez has performed at various venues and events throughout New Jersey, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida and most recently Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. Both public and private events held by prestigious organizations such as the Organization of American States, Loyola University, Georgetown University, University of Mary Washington, George Mason University, and the DC Convention Center have entrusted QUIMBAO Latin Band to perform at their fundraisers, galas and ceremonial events. Musical talents and peers recognize QUIMBAO Latin Band as professionals in their fields. Genius, musical talents.
Their genres are Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Bachata, Cha Cha, Latin Jazz, Trio, Quartet and all Latin rhythms.
Latino Melting Pot Dinner
Tuesday, September 22 | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Restaurants at the Top of the CRUC, Cedric Rucker University Center
Cost with Campus Meal Plan: 1 meal swipe or $15.73 flex. The cost for EagleOne or credit card is $18.17 plus tax. The cost for UMW faculty and staff is $7.80. For children ages 4 – 10, the cost is $5.41, and no charge for children ages 3 and under.
Co-sponsored by University Dining
Join the students of the Latino Student Association and the University Dining team for a premium dining experience with the annual Latino Melting Pot Dinner, where you will meet the LSA Executive Board, learn about the diverse cultures, and taste a variety of delicious Latin and South American dishes.
LIM Karaoke Night
Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 8 p.m. | The Underground, Lee Hall
Co-sponsored by Campus Programming Board
LSA has joined hands with CPB’s karaoke team to host a dedicated Latino music night! Join us to enjoy a night of appreciation, liveliness, and community. Singing sign-up is first come, first served, but all are welcome to enjoy the atmosphere!
Unlocking the Treasures of the Hispanic Room at the Library of Congress with Mr. José Miguel Ruiz
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 4 p.m. | Room 139, Combs Hall
Sponsored by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
Join Mr. Ruiz, Head of the Hispanic Reading Room at the Library of Congress, and discover how this section, founded in 1939 as a center for the study of Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American cultures, supports students, professors, writers, educators, librarians, researchers, and creative professionals worldwide.
Flag-making activity
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 6 p.m. | Room 310, Hurley Convergence Center
Fitting this year’s theme, the students of LSA will be hanging out and crafting some homemade flags. There will be various art supplies provided, so you can bring your vision to life. Anyone and everyone can come enjoy this community-building night!
Sabor Latino
Wednesday, September 30 | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Chandler Ballroom, Cedric Rucker University Center
A big part of our month-long celebration is this amazing event. Join us for a night filled with a diverse line-up of Latino cultures. There will be performances showcasing traditional dances from various countries, a UMW Latino student cultural showcase, and a dinner with delicious Latino cuisine. See you there!
Together for Our Rights
Monday, Oct. 5 | 6 p.m. | Digital Auditorium, Hurley Convergence Center
Join LSA in our efforts to ensure the community stays informed and advocated for by welcoming a wonderful panel of speakers to UMW. These panelists work hard in making sure that Latinos are advocated for and that we continue to make advances in society.
Movie Night: TBD
Thursday, October 8 | 6:00 p.m. | Monroe Hall, room 116
All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. For more information, please contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at (540) 654-1044 or visit the James Farmer Multicultural Center website. Please email us at jfmc@umw.edu if you have any questions regarding disability-related accommodations.