Fresno State welcomed students of all backgrounds to the front of the University Student Union on Wednesday for La Bienvenida, a kick-off celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month.

Students enjoyed tunes and traditional dances as different performers presented art through the beat of Spanish music.

For many students, this was their first semester celebrating and embracing their culture at Fresno State.

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Fernanda Michelle Sistos/The Collegian

Students dance at La Bienvenida at Fresno State on Sept. 17.

Cristal Chaves, a freshman at Fresno State, celebrated her roots with pride through the celebration on campus. Chaves volunteered at the event and discussed the importance of communities being celebrated.

“Volunteering here for this event shows we are very proud of our culture and we celebrate it even if we are not home,” Chaves said.

Professor Samuel Contreras, an educator for the Media, Communications and Journalism Department and the vice president of the Latino Faculty Association, takes pride in his responsibility of coordinating this event for many students.

“This is a welcoming celebration,” Contreras said. “We are trying to promote and celebrate culture and a sense of community with everyone, for Hispanic Heritage Month, while celebrating Independence Day for many countries in Latin America.”

The celebration of this tradition annually is not only crafted through the Latino Faculty Association’s contribution of preparing, contacting and arranging performers and art, but through the full support of Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval.

There were many people involved who celebrated and supported inclusion for the entire community at Fresno State.

“I’m a senior feeling very excited and my heart is happy,” said Yesenia Moreno, a student at Fresno State. “They’re representing my culture, everybody is having fun and dancing.”

Hispanic Heritage Month at Fresno State continues on Sept. 23 with Paws and Pans.