Celebrating Culture with Heart and Rhythm: The Hispanic Festival at Govs

On May 2, the Phillips Patio came alive with music, color, and community spirit during our second annual Hispanic Festival—a joyful celebration of Hispanic culture hosted by Govs Spanish language students and teachers. From dance performances and flavorful traditional foods to informative student displays, the festival offered an immersive journey through the richness and diversity of the Spanish-speaking world. The event was brought to life last year by Señora Orozco, who was inspired by her students' enthusiasm and curiosity. 

“As a native Spanish speaker, I feel it’s important for students to gain a deeper understanding of my culture, as well as the diversity among the 21 Spanish-speaking countries around the world,” she explains. 

Her vision was to create an experience that was both educational and festive—a true celebration of culture, history, and language.

In preparation for the event, Spanish classes from all levels—Spanish I through AP Spanish V Literature—are assigned to a Spanish-speaking country for in-depth study. Over the course of three weeks, students research topics ranging from geography and government to cuisine, music, and cultural traditions. The culmination of their work is showcased through colorful posters, presentations, and, in many cases, samples of traditional snacks to share with the community.

But the heart of the festival is the student performances. Each class prepares a creative presentation tied to their chosen country—most often a traditional or modern dance by an artist from that nation. The result is a lively afternoon for the community gathered on the Phillips patio.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see them engaged and excited,” says Orozco. “They take real ownership of their projects, and you can see their curiosity grow as they learn more about the people, histories, and traditions behind each country.”

With its festive spirit and educational depth, the Hispanic Festival has quickly become a May tradition at Govs!