Around 800 students attended the fifth annual Latinopalooza organized by the Latino Student Union at Perry Fieldhouse Saturday. The event, which began at 4 p.m. and lasted until midnight, was the conclusion of the National Hispanic month celebration.

Iris Resendez, president of LSU, started the festivities with a speech, followed by the National Anthem performed by senior Gabiel Marquez. The night featured various musical groups, dance performances, and children’s activities.

Two of the musical acts were Maria Chico Tropical de Jose Martinez and the Tejano band Bad Boyz from Adrian, Mich. The Orchestra Nabori played both Salsa and Meringue, and Marquez both sang and danced. The DJ for the event was Gabriel Bonilla, while Chicago’s Fantasia Juvenil and Imagenes Mexicana performed various cultural dances. As the bands performed, couples and friends met out on the dance floor to unite with the music.

“One of the best things about coming to an activity like this is seeing all the diversity within the Latino culture coming together to celebrate,” said Christine Pease-Hernandez, vice-president of the Juntos, the Latino graduate association.

Pease-Hernandez also said she enjoyed all the children’s activities available for her two daughters. Latinopalooza provided a children’s corner with numerous activities such as craft making and face painting.

The children were also able to play with pinatas and to participate in a Grito contest, which represented the cry for arms. The Grito call was a cry done when Mexico was at war with the French army at the Battle of Pueblo.

Later in the evening, Chicago’s slam poet Reyes performed.

“I really enjoyed his performance,” said freshman Pam Little. “Although I am not Latino, I had an excellent time at the event. It was nice to experience another culture, from everything to the free food, music, and dancing.”

While attendance was lower than last year – 800 people this year compared to 1,300 last year – more than $300 and tons of cans were raised for charity. Those who made donations received a meal ticket upon entering that entitled them to free tacos, rice, and fruit punch. It is not established yet which charities the donations will go to.

“I want to thank all the people who came out, supported and helped out with the event through donations and canned goods,” Resendez said.

She added that with all those donations, LSU will be able to help out a great deal.