The Omnibus

Hispanic Heritage events begin

Inga Locke

Issue date: 9/28/07 Section: In the Spotlight

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Media Credit: Grace Jeoung

Beasley Hall Resident Director Landee Nevills sits at the piñata display flanked by colorful decorations during the Hispanic Heritage Month Fiesta. The activity was held on Wednesday afternoon in the Goodson Student Union. The next Hispanic Heritage Month event will be a Hispanic Grocery Bingo Night.

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Hispanic music and culture filled the entrance to Goodson Student Union in front of Mellers Dining Commons, Wednesday Sept. 26.
The Hispanic Heritage Month fiesta began at 11 a.m. and ended at 2 p.m. The vibrantly colored decorations that adorned the area included piñatas, tissue paper cuts outs in bright colors and a Mexican flag.
The fiesta featured a display of junior Lydia Powers' back strap loom weaving on a loom that she bought in San Antonio Aguas Caliente, Guatemala.
Powers has lived in Guatemala for several months each year since she was 13 years old.
She learned to back strap loom weave from the Kakchiquel weavers. The back strap loom originated from the Mayan culture and has been used by the Kakchiquel for the last 500-1000 years.
The process of weaving these blouses is extremely long and difficult.
"To make one of the Kakchiquel blouses it takes six months," said Powers. "Something that takes two weeks to weave may only generate $20 and is woven so finely that it can last up to 70 years."
Powers uses cross stitching patterns that she copied out of a 30 year old book that her teacher in Guatemala uses.
To demonstrate this unique skill, Powers tied her loom to one of the brick pillars in Goodson Student Union and sat in the strap. She used vibrantly colored thread that she bought in Guatemala.
The event also included a piñata making station as well as a drawing that anyone could enter for a free piñata.
There was a table with South American artifacts including shoes, dresses, dolls, paintings, blankets and bags that were provided for the display by various students.

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