The Latino community will come alive this month as each day is filled with festivals celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

"I definitely think it's important, because it emphasizes the diversity in this school," said Erika Mendoza (sophomore-aerospace engineering), a member of Latino Caucus.

She stressed the importance of the month when it comes to making Latino students feel comfortable on campus as well as educating others about their culture.

"It's not only to help the other Latino students to be comfortable . . . but it is to get rid of some stereotypes within the school," she said. "Its not that we just eat tacos. . .not all of us look like the stereotypical Puerto Rican or Mexican."

Opening ceremonies began Wednesday at the Wesley Student Center and will continue until the Dec. 1 with the closing event of "Noche de Estrellas," which is a talent show.

The month of November focuses on the display and celebration of the Latino culture. Music, food and different styles of dance are all a part of that, and most events will feature at least one part of that equation.

"It's cool because you get to not only show your culture but see other cultures," said Hector Amaya (senior-sociology), co-president of Latino Caucus.

He added that while the programs can be educational to the entire community, the food especially provides comfort to Latino students on campus.

"Even something that simple can make someone feel more at home. . . It kind of gives you a sense of belonging up here," he said.

Another fraternity, Gamma Phi Sigma fraternity, will be offering Cultura Latina today, which features a live band, food and dancing from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. in Heritage Hall.

Barbara Kennedy, the adviser for the Penn State Ballroom Dance Club and the director of the Public Information Office for the Eberly College of Science, emphasized the appeal of Latin dance especially salsa.

"It's not just people from Latin American countries who love to dance salsa," she said. She added the Ballroom Dance Club sponsors a salsa night every Monday in 133 White Building.

"It gives me an incredible amount of joy to see the mix of diverse people," she said.

The events of the month also will not exclude the children of the community.

Sunday, Nov. 12, is Children's Day featuring fun especially geared towards them. From 1 to 4 p.m. in Heritage Hall, the day will include all sorts of face painting activities and games.

Today, Friends of Brazil is hosting an event in Alumni Hall to celebrate the 500 years since the discovery of Brazil. While not Hispanic in origin, the country does lie in South America.

Tickets to the main event are all gone, but it will open to the public at 8:30 p.m. for the after-party.