By Ariana Arias
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
The Towson University Latin American Student Organization (LASO) hosted its twice-a-year celebration of Latine culture last month, drawing more than 300 students who wanted to take part in the festivities before the crush of finals week.
Noche Latina, which is held at the end of each semester and features music, dancing and free food, is designed to highlight Latin culture and give Latine students a space to feel seen, supported and celebrated.
Fabiola Umana, a Towson senior majoring in psychology and co-president of LASO, said this semester’s theme was Noche en Barrio, or Night in the Neighborhood, and was inspired by block parties and the movie “In the Heights.”
“This theme captured all the essence of Latin streetwear and the vibrant ‘barrio’ culture many of us grew up around,” said LASO Vice President Alexandra Blandón, a senior at TU majoring in criminal justice “We wanted to showcase the Latin hood experience in a positive, stylish way—highlighting the fashion, the energy and the community pride that comes with it.”
A variety of Latin music blasted from the University Union Ballrooms — bachata, reggaetón, salsa and merengue — as students arrived dressed in outfits inspired by this semester’s theme.
Noche Latina is more than a dance party. It is a full cultural showcase. Performers such as singers and dancers took to the stage, and the DJ kept the vibe alive.
This year, LASO invited on stage Pasión Latin Dance Team, rising DMV artists Nehemias and Chipelo and Crew, Rhythm Step Team, and Pa’lante Dance Company.
For rising DMV artist and TU alum Benjamin Molina, returning to Noche Latina as a performer is personal.
“Performing at Noche for me is so fun because Towson is my home school and Noche allowed me to have a voice and perform and to hone my craft when I first started off,” Molina said.
Carson Kelly, a freshman at TU majoring in business administration attending for the first time, said the energy alone was enough to bring him back.
“Being a freshman, this is my first Noche. But given what I witnessed I’ll for sure be back to experience more in the future,” Kelly said.
For many students, the timing of the event adds even more meaning.
“I think this event is a good way to release the stress that finals season comes with or at least that’s the reason why I look forward to,” said Issis Marien Ramos, a TU sophomore majoring in biology.
Noche Latina wasn’t always the massive tradition it is now.
LASO was founded in 1996 as one of Towson’s first Latine student organization. What began as a small community has grown into a larger campus presence— one that opened the door for groups such as La Voz Latina and Pasión Latin Dance Team.
Angel Hernandez, one of the event coordinators for Noche Latina, said the event brings lasting memories.
“For me,” Hernandez said, “I love it when I can look around the room and see a packed room of people, because to get nearly 300 people to show up to an event I planned and to know it’ll create lasting memories for them is a special kind of reward.”
His co-coordinator, Anayeli Tello, feels the same way.
“Taking a moment to admire the amount of people coming together to dance to songs I grew up with… or seeing non-Latine students embracing our culture and trying to dance our music — that makes it all worth it,” Tello said.
And while Noche Latina is open to everyone, it holds a special meaning for Latine students — especially now.
“It represents community,” Fabiola said. “It reminds our students that they deserve to take up space, and they deserve to be here. Our culture is beautiful, and we are not ashamed to celebrate it.”
At a predominantly white university, many Latine students can often feel isolated, but events like this create a space where they feel seen and connected, even during challenging times.
“I would want current LASO leaders to know that these safe spaces for Hispanic students are extremely important and are needed, said LASO alum Diana Campos. “LASO really was such an integral part of my undergrad experience. Being a part of this student organization helped shaped the leader I have become.”