Fiesta Latina is a “fun” event to show off the Hispanic culture, Aura “Cristina” Gonzalez said.

The Hispanic Student Union will host the dance from 8-11:30 p.m. Nov. 6 in Carter Hall and will give dance lessons beforehand from 7-8 p.m.

Fiesta Latina will showcase many  different Hispanic and Latino cultures rather than a specific one, said Gonzalez, the Hispanic Student Union’s fundraising chair.

The International Club, Housing & Residence Life, Spanish Club and other clubs will raffle off prizes, the junior marketing and Spanish double major said.

Fiesta Latina will feature several different Hispanic dance styles including bachata, salsa and merengue, said Hispanic Student Union President Jonathan Rapalo.

Guests may dress as casually or formally as they choose, Rapalo said.

Sodexo will cater various Hispanic foods, the junior radio and television major said.

The union hosted a cooking and culture lesson on Oct. 24 for Parents and Family Weekend.

The HSU will hold another cooking and culture lesson from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Nov. 21 for children and 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Nov. 23 for university students in Health Professions Center room 0063.

Future Hispanic Student Union projects include Dia Los Muertos, Operation Christmas Child and selling carnations at Valentine’s Day.

Carrie Fuqua started the Hispanic Student Union in the 2002-2003 school year, Sadowski said, but the union really gained momentum in the 2009-2010 school year.

“The Hispanic Student Union,” she said, “is made up of members who are dedicated to promoting and educating about the Hispanic and Latino culture to fellow peers on the USI campus and in the community of Evansville.”

The union encourages academic achievement, leadership, time management, communication skills and knowledge and appreciation of cultural diversity, Sadowski said.

“There are no requirements to join or be a member of the Hispanic Student Union,” she said. “Our members are there because they want to see and make a change.”

Sadowski said that she hopes to see the Hispanic Student Union grow both in numbers and in campus outreach.

“I hope for the Hispanic Student Union,” Sadowski said, “after I graduate, to always have a solid foundation.”

Fast Facts

What: Fiesta Latina and Dance Lessons

When: Fiesta Latina will be from 8 -11:30 p.m. Nov. 6 with dance Lessons from 7 -8 p.m.

Location: Carter Hall

Cost: Free