Fiesta Comunidad
September 20, 2025
Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with COM!
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is recognized from Sept. 15-Oct. 15 of each year, to celebrate the rich, diverse Hispanic cultural heritage and traditions found throughout our community and worldwide.
Throughout the US, the Hispanic population has grown significantly and now makes up the largest racial or ethnic minority group in the country. According to the US Census, in Galveston County, our Hispanic communities comprise 26.8 percent of the total population. And at COM, about 37 percent of our total student population are Hispanic.
College of the Mainland is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), which is defined as accredited, degree-granting, public or private nonprofit institution of Higher Education with 25 percent or more total Hispanic undergraduate student enrollment.
The COM Multicultural Committee has planned various events throughout the month for students, employees and community members to enjoy.
Message from Dr. Helen Brewer
Featured Events
Fiesta Comunidad
Featuring:
Our event will be packed with a fantastic lineup of activities dedicated to honoring and embracing the vibrant cultures, traditions, and contributions of the Hispanic community.
HHM Event Schedule
Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff
September 16, 2025
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Past Events
2024 Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Our 2024, Hispanic Heritage Month festivities began with Colombian empanadas, live mariachi music and an inspiring speech by local community leader Fidencio Leija Jr. Throughout the month, we celebrated culture with events like Café y Conchas con Consejeros, a Belleza Latina workshop creating lip stain with achiote, a salsa (food) competition and a panel featuring local Latino leaders.
https://commarketing.smugmug.com/Events-/Hispanic-Heritage-Month-/2024
2023 Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Our 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month celebration kicked off with delicious pupusas, welcoming remarks from Spanish Instructor Rafael Naranjo and a special guest from the Mexican Consulate. Throughout the month, students enjoyed a lotería game, an inspiring talk by motivational speaker Ovi Vasquez, an Afro-Latino hair care event, Latin American beverage tastings and a salsa competition that brought together students, staff and the community.
https://commarketing.smugmug.com/Events-/Hispanic-Heritage-Month-2023
2022 Hispanic Heritage Celebration
In 2022, the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee returned to in-person celebrations with a colorful kickoff event featuring a piñata for students to honor Hispanic culture on campus and in the community.
https://commarketing.smugmug.com/Events-/Hispanic-Heritage-Month-/2022
2021 Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Scholarship Contest Essay Winners
Juan Hernandez – 1st Place Winner
Read Juan's essay: Cecilio's Journey
Yhovanka Marquez – 2nd Place Winner
Read Yhovanka's essay A Hispanic Tale From a Couple's Point of View
Carolina Alvarez — 3rd Place Winner
Read Carolina's essay Hardships and Celebrations: How My Parents Gave Me a Chance at the Good Life