Discover the favorite holidays of students and the cherished traditions they share with their families. From festive meals to unique customs, explore how these special times create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds.
Anna Tale – Junior
“My favorite holiday is the March for Christ (Marcha para Cristo), an annual religious procession in Guatemala around September-November. Thousands from Pentecostal communities join to celebrate their faith by praying, singing hymns, and displaying banners in Guatemala City. This event showcases Christian unity, promotes religious values, and spreads the gospel. It’s one of the largest religious gatherings in Central America, highlighting Christianity’s strength in Guatemala. My family loves to express our religion and spread the gospel, even from afar. We travel to Guatemala for this event, participating in activities at Casa de Dios, one of the biggest churches in South America. This tradition helps us set an example for my younger siblings to continue theirs, as well as our faith and beliefs.”
Raldy Ovando – Sophomore
“My favorite holiday in my culture is from Ecuador which is called, “The Battle of Pichincha Day”. This holiday takes place on May 24th annually and is celebrated because it was the last battle of independence that Ecuador had fought during the Spanish Colonial period way back in 1822. It is celebrated with dances and parades within the towns and villages in honor of Ecuador becoming independent. During this holiday, my family makes food that is strictly from Ecuador as we watch parades that happen in Ecuador while also on call with some relatives that live in Ecuador to see the parades and celebration live.”
Sofia Matos – Sophomore
“My favorite holiday is probably Christmas. Coming from a Hispanic/Southern American family, we usually open our gifts earlier than some American families. We sometimes would open gifts right when Christmas Eve would end at midnight. Something a little different that we also do is the name for Santa, in Chile, his name is “Viejito Pascuero”, which translates to something similar to “old man Santa” in English.”
Xavier Garcia – Sophomore
“My favorite holiday would have to be on September 15th, the independence day of El Salvador.” said Sophomore Xavier Garcia. El Salvador’s Independence Day, celebrated on September 15, marks the 1821 declaration of independence from Spanish rule, alongside other Central American nations. It is a day of national pride, commemorated with parades and festivities, symbolizing the country’s hard-won freedom and unity. Garcia said “As far as the tradition goes, my family and I usually dress in our country’s horrible soccer team’s jersey and eat Salvadoran foods, such as Papusas.”
Joanne Chavez – Junior
“My favorite holiday is Christmas because I get to gather with the entirety of my extended family. During Christmas, each family brings a different dish, whether it be an American dish or Salvadorian dish, since both of my parents are Salvadorian, and we usually change what we bring each year! Especially on my Mom’s side of the family, one person from each family joins a raffle, and whoever is picked has to invite everyone to their house for Christmas the following year! I really enjoy this holiday!”
