This week, Housing and Residence Life are hosting new events, re-creating cultural traditions, and bringing back the sense of normalcy for the local community.
The events are open to the UTRGV community, while some are open to the public. Food, games, and giveaways will be available at certain events.
A new event called Fiesta de Fright will be held Wednesday on the Brownsville campus and the sixth annual UTRGV Madness will occur Friday on the Edinburg campus.
Housing Coordinator Nayeli Garcia said these events are in preparation for Spirit Week.
She seeks the following for this week.
“To go back, not to normal, but to create something new that they’ll look forward to from now on.” Garcia said.
UTRGV’s sixth annual Dia De Los Muertos Baile will be held next week on the Brownsville campus with free food and drinks.
The event will include presentations from Professor Zelma Mata’s Folklorico Team and the National Hispanic Honor Society. There will also be raffles and prizes for the most spirited Dressed Catrin and Catrina of the night. The first 250 attendees will receive authentic UTRGV Pepsi gear.
Garcia described the event.
“We’re excited to apply the cultural aspect of the Mexican American culture, and because COVID took it away, and we really want to bring that back and highlight it.”
She invites everyone to bring a picture of a loved one who has passed on so they can dedicate the night to them.
“I know more than anything, we’ve lost so many people due to COVID and they shouldn’t be mourned for, they should be celebrated.”
Amidst the pandemic, Director of Housing and Residence Life Sergio Martinez shared the health and safety of students at their events.
“Continue to encourage students to wear masks, social distance… and [if] there’s any questions about that, we always encourage them to contact Student Health Services [UT Health RGV Student Health Edinburg and Brownsville] to find out what the latest recommendations and guidance are.”
He also said,
“I think for us, we want as students, as we scale back up, as a university, [to] remind them [the students] of the opportunities of engagement that exists. Students’ way to engage, we hope that helps that experience, students learn this is a way to get people together.” Martinez said.
For more information on events held this week, visit the Department of Housing and Residence’s Life website.
This is Carla Landaverde for Vaquero Radio.
