Celebración unites Linfield and McMinnville in honoring Latine heritage

[Esta historia fue escrita originalmente en español. Lee la versión en español.]

Music, color and culture filled the McMinnville Community Center this fall as Linfield students, families and local residents came together for Celebración, an annual event honoring Latine Heritage Month. What started as a campus tradition has grown into a community-wide celebration of pride, dance and shared identity.

The move to the McMinnville Community Center marked a new chapter for the event, expanding its reach beyond Linfield’s fieldhouse and into the heart of town. Guests enjoyed an evening of Baile Folklórico, Baile Salvadoreño, live music and traditional dishes — from esquites and pupusas to rice, beans and desserts. A children’s piñata brought laughter and energy to the gym, which was decorated with colorful banners and crafts. among others, each representing the artistry and pride of diverse Latine cultures.

“Visit McMinnville is mission-driven to support a variety of projects that reflect the diversity of our community,” said Lisa Macy-Baker, destination development manager for Visit McMinnville, which helped Linfield move the event downtown. “We loved the food, desserts, music, dancing and craft project — it was a privilege to support it.”

Sharing culture through traditional dance

For members of Linfield University Latine Adelante (LULA), Celebración is more than a performance — it’s a way to share identity, joy and creativity with the broader community.

Sofia Paredes ’27, a double major in law, rights and justice and Latin American studies from Seattle, Washington, has danced in Celebración for three years.

“I remember my mother and sister dancing every year for our church’s Latine Heritage Month.” Sofia said.

This year, she worked alongside choreographer Gabriela Flores, a second-year student at Chemeketa Community College. Gabriela, who plans to transfer to the University of Oregon next year, is handing over choreographer duties to Sofia.

“I enjoy dancing folklorico from every Latin American country because it is an important tradition to continue celebrating our culture.” Sofia said. “I’m not Mexican but I will proudly dance ‘El son de la negra.’ I am half Salvadoran and got to teach a Salvadoran folklore dance to my fellow classmates that aren’t Salvadoran, and they proudly danced it with me.”

The experience carried special meaning this year.

“During these times where our community is being targeted, it was empowering to dance this year,” Sofia said. “I wanted to dance for those who couldn’t — and for those who couldn’t be there to celebrate with us.”

Strengthening community connections

By hosting Celebración in the heart of McMinnville, LULA extended Linfield’s message of inclusion and cultural appreciation beyond campus. The event united students, employees and local residents — demonstrating the power of shared celebration to build understanding and connection.

As the evening ended, LULA members reflected on the pride and joy they felt seeing their culture embraced by so many. The event not only showcased the beauty of Latine heritage but also deepened the bond between Linfield and the surrounding community.

With hopes to return to the community center next year, organizers are already thinking about new ways to grow and share the celebration. For Sofia and her peers, Celebración represents more than a night of dancing. It’s a reminder that culture thrives when shared, and that community is strongest when everyone joins in the rhythm together.