Rhythm, Reflection, and Celebration during LATAM Week 2025

With the beat of Bad Bunny’s latest album echoing across the Salle des Actes and the scent of brigadeiros in the air, Latin American Week lit up campus from March 24 to 28. Organized by ALAS, the enriching week prompted students to dive into the vibrant, diverse cultures and history Latin America has to offer. From food and art workshops to engaging diplomatic discussions, the four days brimmed with a mixture of celebration and insightful reflection.

Monday kicked off the celebrations with a permanent stand in the Salle des Actes where students were invited to learn more about the upcoming events and participate in the Passport Challenge. By picking one of the thirty-three Latin American passports and collecting stamps at events during the week-long programme, students were encouraged to participate in all events. The stand also displayed the ‘Decolonization Exhibition’ which, as described by social responsibility member Isabel Porta, “was about contextualizing the importance of LATAM week. The various articles focused on indigenous resistance, political leaders and cultural movements to remind us that Latin America is a region continually shaped by its long colonial history, from the first 15th century encounters with European explorers to current struggles with self-determination in light of economic imperialism.”

Logan Storck, an active participant in many ALAS events, said, “I loved to walk by the stand and hear the music […] it’s always interesting to see the scope that ALAS has on campus but also how Latin America produces much more than most people give it credit for or fully understand.”

Right next door in the Old Kitchen, a world cooking workshop was organized in collaboration with La Strada and Le Terrier. Here, students were offered the chance to experience the flavors of Latin America alongside Italian and French cuisine with dishes including tacos and spaghetti al pomodoro. ALAS President Alicia Paredes described this as a “meaningful opportunity to share not only our food and traditions, but also the diversity, resilience, and important messages that define Latin America.”

Storck described the activity as a “fun experience, especially since we were able to dance to music in Spanish while we ate our tacos. They were a bit messy but it made it more fun that way.”

Although Tuesday’s planned activities were postponed to Thursday due to a blockade, Wednesday arrived with an unwavering energy. The day focused on Latin American exchange and 2A students who will go to the continent for their third-year abroad. At the St Mau bar, students chatted and delved into life across the Atlantic. Additionally, ALAS organizers introduced an interactive mural painting activity in the Salle des Actes, encouraging students to share what they love most about Latin America. Some of the written words included “the people,” the ancient Mesoamerican city “Teotihuacán,” and the musical genre “bachata.”

The next day came in with a cross-continental bang.During a conference in collaboration with Transatlantic, permanent representative of Peru to UNESCO Verónica Miyagusuku shared her insights on Latin America’s role in global diplomacy and its impact on international cooperation. This diplomatic panel exposed students to the opportunities and challenges the continent encounters as a rising power on the world stage.

Later that evening in the Old Refectory, ALAS hosted a dance workshop exploring varying styles. Porta said, “the dancing workshops with ALAS are always a huge success with new faces constantly appearing to try them out. We primarily danced salsa and bachata, including [trying out] some Brazilian moves, to classic latino songs and…a lot of Bad Bunny.”

Friday wrapped things up with flavorful festivity. With a “sabores Latinos” tasting outside the library, students were able to indulge in a wide range of sweet and savory dishes. From quesadillas, guacamole, nachos and pico de gallo to brigadeiros and arroz con leche, all participants enjoyed a taste of Latin America.

The Brazilian carnaval party, that evening, brought on a night full of glitter, reggaeton, and Brazilian funk, marked the official end to LATAM week 2025.

Storck commented on this, stating, “as always the ALAS party brought some energy into the week and we danced all night, maybe a bit too much, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ll never say no to an ALAS event and I’m glad that they make it so accessible to people who aren’t a part of the organization or from Latin America.”

This was reiterated by Paredes, explaining that “LATAM Week is a special moment where we get to bring Latin American culture to the forefront of our campus, a place where our region is often not part of the regular academic conversation. Even through our more festive events, we found ways to highlight our identity. I’m really glad students enjoyed the activities that ALAS planned over several months with so much heart!”