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 “Año Viejo,” “Día de los muertos,” “Quiciñera,” and “El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos” were just some of the traditions and holidays that were discussed during a recent celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month at West Kentucky Community and Technical College.
More than 150 faculty, staff and guests celebrated with panelists
who represented several Latin American countries.
“Today we celebrate the richly diverse Latino culture, spirit and achievement in America, and right here in Paducah, Kentucky,” said Carolyn Perry, Spanish Instructor at WKCTC.
Martha Argotte, Human Resource Generalist with Lourdes, facilitated the panel discussion. The panelists shared their stories of why they came to the United States and “Why they moved to Paducah?”
“When my father saw a sign on the city hall in Cuba in the 60’s that religion would not be tolerated, he knew it was time to leave,” said Cuba native A.J. Sales. “My family left everything behind and came to America to escape Communism.”
Echoing Sales, Nestor and Laura Nuñez left Punta de Este, Uraguay because of their son. “Our son was offered a scholarship to play soccer, and it was a great opportunity for him,” said Nestor Nuñez “After we visited a few times while he was at Mid-Continent (College), we decided to move to Paducah.”
Part of the college’s heritage event included typical Latino foods and drinks provided by local restaurants, Los Amigos and Casa Mexicana.
The celebration was highlighted by a dance (click here to see a quicktime movie of the performance) performed by Sister Imelda Quechol, from Mexico and a friend that showed the traditional dance in which a couple ties a bow with a large satin ribbon, using only their feet as they dance.
The Hispanic Heritage celebration continues nationwide through October 15.
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