In celebration of Puerto Rican Culture Week, various events will be held through Saturday to promote awareness and provide entertainment.

The annual event, sponsored by the Office of Racial Ethnic Student Affairs, features guest speakers, an open mic night, a pig roast and a dance.

Marcelina Trevino-Savala, coordinator for Chicano/Latino Student Affairs in the Office of Racial Ethnic Student Affairs, said the week allows students to experience cultural events.

“It’s to make people aware of the Puerto Rican culture, history and issues in the community that are happening,” she said. “Some students aren’t aware, and this gives people a chance to learn about something they are interested in knowing.”

Jennie Carmona-Garcia, copyright assistant at the Main Library and founder of the Puerto Rican Student Association, said people need to understand the political issues affecting Puerto Rican students.

“We have a colonial status with the United States, so it’s a way to keep our culture alive - not to forget our roots and our right to freedom,” she said. “We have to have control of our country and it has a very strong meaning.”

Besides awareness, Carmona-Garcia said the events are set up to entertain participants.

Misty Staunton, a pre-med junior and co-chairperson of Culturas de las Razas Unidas, said the event is beneficial for students who were not raised in a multicultural environment.

“It helps others learn about it who have not encountered anybody who is Puerto Rican,” she said.

“Every single day has a different aspect on it. The purpose is to let people know about what Puerto Rican culture is, and I feel like they will learn from this and experience something they haven’t before.”