The Noche Caribeña, or Caribbean Night event, took place on Feb. 25 at Michigan State University’s recently unveiled Multicultural Center. The event was a student-run celebration of Afro-Caribbean heritage that was co-led by several groups, including Culturas de las Razas Unidas, or CRU; the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, or CLACS; and the Black Students’ Alliance. Highlights from Noche Caribeña include speeches from CLACS faculty, a Bomba music and dance workshop by Los Pleneros de Don Segundo, food from Jose’s Cuban Sandwich and Deli Restaurant and a community-curated photo slideshow.
According to CRU Vice President Elena Sweeney, “The goal of the event was to connect students from across campus and create a space to appreciate and center Caribbean culture.”
The theme of Noche Caribeña was “Debi Tener Mas Fiestas” (or “I should have had more parties”), which connects to the recently released Bad Bunny album, “Debi Tirar Mas Photos.” Relating to this theme, CRU had a photo submission link for students and registered student organizations to submit photos for the event’s slideshow that would demonstrate the value of remembering fond memories of friends, family and culture.
