Organized by CLaSE, in collaboration with the College of the Arts and the PCCHC (Passaic County Cultural and Heritage Council) the festival brought together, for the very first time, eight extraordinary Andean dance groups, two ensembles of traditional Andean music featuring authentic instruments, and over 350 attendees — including students, faculty, staff, and members of local communities. Adding to the vibrancy, more than four talented artisans showcased stunning arts and crafts from four different Andean countries, while student organizations filled the campus with engaging displays and activities.

The entire campus came alive with colorful flags, live music, and joy. Three friendly alpacas basked in the sunshine as children joyfully petted them and participated in a scavenger hunt that blended play with learning about the rich heritage of the Andes. The walkways were beautifully chalked with flags of six South American countries and fascinating facts about Andean traditions. Our dynamic MCs, Cristian Vergara and Jessica Montesdeoca, guided audiences through each performance, sharing the meaning behind the dances and the symbols represented on stage.

The stage opened with an inspiring performance by our special guest and artistic director, Pepe Santana, winner of the 2025 NJ Heritage Award, and his ensemble Inkhay, who transported the audience with traditional music from Ecuador and Bolivia. Later, they led an interactive workshop on Andean instruments that captivated participants of all ages.

One of the most touching moments of the day was the creation of a chakana (Andean cross) by our friends from the Kichwa Otavalo community, a moving ceremony that marked the spiritual heart of the event and symbolized unity, balance, and connection.

Attendees expressed deep emotion and pride, sharing how meaningful it was to see their cultures honored and celebrated on campus. Many artists and performers have already asked to return for the next edition, inspired by the warmth, appreciation, and enthusiasm that made this first festival such a triumph.

The Festival de los Andes was not just an event, it was a celebration of heritage, identity, and community spirit that will continue to echo for years to come.

Organized by – Historia Oral de los Latinos y Archivo digital, the event honored the culmination of a meaningful oral history project. Students in the Spanish for Heritage Speakers classes spent the Spring semester connecting with members of the Cuban and Cuban American communities, conducting audio interviews that captured powerful stories of resilience, adaptation, success, and nostalgia.

Now, these voices and memories live on through the , where they can be heard, shared, and celebrated — a growing archive that empowers the community while preserving its rich cultural legacy.

The event drew a crowd of more than 75 attendees, including students, interviewees and their families, the Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Fatma Mili, faculty members, and the Chair of the Spanish and Latino Studies Department, Dr. Maria José García Vizcaíno, who is a steadfast supporter of events honoring Spanish-speaking communities.

Guests were welcomed into a space filled with vibrant photography by Thomas Franklin, whose exhibit featured stunning images captured during his trips to Cuba. Dr. Franklin also shared reflections on his experiences on the island, offering insight into the art, history, and humanity behind his photography.

Throughout the evening, attendees listened to excerpts of the recorded interviews — stories that inspired emotion, gratitude, and pride — and engaged in heartfelt conversations about culture, memory, and identity.

The celebration concluded on a joyful note with delicious Cuban food and an energetic Cha Cha Cha dance lesson led by Bernie Moran, which filled the room with laughter and nostalgia, bringing everyone together to the irresistible rhythms of the island.

Visiones of Cuba was more than an event — it was a celebration of storytelling, community, and connection, showcasing how student scholarship and community engagement can create bridges between generations and cultures.