Hispanic Heritage Month is giving students at Zia Middle School an opportunity to explore culture not just through textbooks, but through art, games, traditions and their own creativity.
Students in Mr. Gaytan’s 7th- and 8th-grade ENLACE classes have been busy learning about the many cultures and traditions found throughout Hispanic communities. As part of their studies, students designed vibrant piñatas and Lotería cards while researching countries around the world to identify similarities and differences among Hispanic cultures.
Earlier this month, ENLACE students also participated in the annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre Parade and Fiesta in Mesilla, helping kick off Hispanic Heritage Month in the community. Students contributed their Lotería card designs to the float representing Las Cruces Public Schools at the celebration.
For Mr. Gaytan, exploring traditions provides students with a meaningful way to understand culture.
“Traditions are a key to understanding culture,” Gaytan explains. “From the food we eat and the ingredients we use, which are often local, to the games we play and the dances we perform, traditions tell us a lot about who we are and where we come from.”
Lotería is one tradition students are exploring. Often compared to bingo, the traditional Mexican game of chance uses illustrated cards instead of numbered balls. Players may encounter familiar images such as La Sirena (the mermaid), El Sol (the sun), La Luna (the moon) and El Corazón (the heart).
Played in Mexico for generations, Lotería has become more than a game. For many families and communities, it is an opportunity to gather, share laughter and pass traditions from one generation to the next.
The students' project reflects the broader mission of ENLACE, which stands for “Engaging Latino Communities for Education.” The word enlace means “link” or “connection,” reflecting the program’s focus on connecting students, families, educators and communities to support student success.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 through October 15. The observance provides an opportunity to recognize the histories, cultures, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. It begins on September 15, which marks the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, while Chile celebrates its independence on September 18.
At Zia Middle School, students are finding that one of the best ways to understand heritage is to explore it for themselves, one tradition and one story at a time.
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