The ASUW senate approved funding for the annual “Fiesta Primavera,” a cultural event hosted by the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MECHA) at the university.
MECHA is a student organization that works to establish awareness and sensitivity of Chicanx values.
“This is MECHA’s signature cultural event held every spring,” a MECHA member said. “Unfortunately we were not able to hold it last year due to Covid-19, but we are excited to bring it back this year.”
Fiesta Primavera comprises three main parts of cultural awareness immersion. These include a keynote speaker, a catered banquet, and a dance.
“We are excited to welcome our keynote speaker, Alejandro Jiminez,” a MECHA member said.
“Alejandro is a poet, writer, educator, and an avid business owner from Kolima, Mexico.”
Jiminez currently lives in New Mexico, was the 2021 Mexican national Poetry Slam Champion, and is an Emmy nominated poet.
The banquet will be catered by Altitude ChopHouse, which will feature a taco-themed buffet.
“We are expecting about 325 people to attend our event,” said MECHA. “We are estimating about $16.25 for each plate per person. So, that will bring us to a total of $5,281.25 for catering.”
The event will also feature a local DJ that will showcase a broad spectrum of Latin music throughout the event. The DJ is expected to cost $1500.
MECHA will also be bringing a dance group from Denver, Colorado to perform during the event.
“Grupo Tláloc Danza Azteca, which is a traditional Mexican group, has pledged to uphold and walk the spiritual way of life,” said MECHA. “[They] have committed themselves to help educate the public’s view of Aztec culture.”
The cost of the Grupo Tláloc Danza Azteca will be $1300, as MECHA will be providing hotel rooms to the group as well as the cost of the performance.
MECHA will also be hosting smaller events prior to the Primavera event.
On Monday there will be an educational dinner on LatinX culture.
Later in the week a special Zumba class, a fitness program that uses Latin-inspired dance, will be hosted.
After the members finished speaking to ASUW the proposed budget was voted on.
By unanimous vote, MECHA was given full funding for the Fiesta Primavera, which will take place on April 16, in the Union Ballroom.
