Sampling cultural foods at the ¡HOLA! and CPA tents. (Melanie Q./Staff)

Agua frescas, bubble tea, mooncake, and school spirit—what else can you ask for? Adding to Alumni Weekend and the Viking Rampage, the Hispanic Outreach for Latino Awareness (¡HOLA!) and Chinese Parents Association (CPA) hosted a Fútbol Tailgate on Saturday, October 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The tailgate came before boys soccer Senior Night, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and the Mid-Autumn festival. 

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15 each year, honoring the traditions, cultures, and histories of Hispanic Americans. The 30-day period includes independence anniversaries for Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. It also encompasses Día de la Raza (October 12), which recognizes the convergence of Spanish and American heritage. 

The Mid-Autumn Festival falls in September or October, on the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar, when the full moon is brightest. It celebrates the autumn harvest with mooncakes and lanterns, symbolizing luck, prosperity, and unity. 

The tailgate commenced on Hondros with trays of delicacies and gallons of homemade drinks, attracting students, faculty, and parents across all divisions. ¡HOLA! and CPA parents adorned their stands with colorful banners and informational posters before setting out samples for all to enjoy. ¡HOLA! served Agua de Jamaica (hibiscus flower tea) and other agua frescas, fruit cups with Tajin, and frozen bananas. The CPA tent featured taro and red bean mooncakes, along with bubble tea and candy. As people filed in to watch the soccer game, the parents ensured everyone was well-fed and enjoying their time. 

Though ¡HOLA! hosts this tailgate annually, its collaboration with CPA is a new addition. Double the culture brings double the fun! Thank you to these parent organizations for a delightful afternoon.