Last Tuesday, Wilkes students and staff gathered in the square for “Taste of the Town,” hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. “Taste of the Town” is a monthly opportunity for students to experience and try the food of the many different cultures present within Wilkes-Barre, all at no cost to the students.
For September, students attended La Tolteca located within the Square. According to its website, La Tolteca is “prepared fresh daily and includes traditional Mexican grill favorites like fajitas, enchiladas, burritos, tacos, as well as daily lunch specials, signature drinks, and cocktails.” The restaurant is proud of its authentic Mexican menu and preparation within their food.
La Tolteca was chosen for the celebration of Spanish Heritage Month, celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 every year. It is done in a long timeframe of celebration as many of the different days of independence fall within those 30 days.
The first day of the celebration of independence for many Latin American countries includings Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Mexico. All of them are close because it was all achieved in the Mexican War of Independence. Chile was also close as its independence came on Sept. 18.
“The importance of events such as this is not only to expand the kinds of food we eat but also to honor history. We celebrate American holidays without hesitation and we should come together and do the same for our friends,” said Erica Acosta, director of diversity and inclusion.
The event included many Wilkes students and even members of Wilkes staff. Students of all different backgrounds were present as well having grown up around different cultures.
“The event was a cool way to show everyone’s culture. You like to think that you are diverse and that you attend events like this and see there is still more you can learn,” said Quincy Banks, senior digital design and media arts major.
Participants ate a variety of foods, including fajitas, which are a stripped meat with peppers and onions served in a corn or flour tortilla or even on a skillet.
The presence of history and community was there as well. Before eating, Acosta led everyone in introductions and conversations to bring everyone together before they began to “break bread.” This allowed everyone attending to open up about where they were from.
“I think that part of the experience brought everyone together. Many of us had never seen each other before so it was nice to make new friends and put names to faces of people I see around campus,” said Starr Sandt, a sophomore psychology major.
“Taste of the Town” occurs every month through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. For more information, contact Erica Acosta at [email protected].