The sounds of mariachi rang from the Hill on Sept. 18, celebrating the independence of Mexico and other Latin American countries.

Organized by the Puente club, the event was attended by other campus clubs and private sellers.

“It is celebrated every year during the week of Mexican independence,” according to Puente co-president Sergio Vasquez.

Other organizers such as professor Walter Fernandez from the history department and Victoria Martinez from Puente, accompanied Vasquez.

Martinez explained that the goal of the event was not only to inform students but also to raise money for other Puente activities aimed at helping them.

Other clubs such as the Future Underrepresented Educated Leaders were also present.

Angelical Ornelas, math economics major, explained the goal of her club.

“We provide information for undocumented students about transfers, scholarships and also campus outreach,” she said.

One of the main attention grabbers of the event was the mariachi who was hired by Puente.

The mariachi invited people to go up and sing with them. Many students demonstrated their singing abilities.    

Scott Benjamin, health science major, donning dreadlocks and sunglasses, got up on stage and sang “El Camaleon,” wowing the crowd.

“I use to work in Maywood and the Mexicans would bump ‘La Raza’ all the time,” Benjamin explained how he learned the song.