Mikayla Stettler

Project 1

Hispanic/Latin Cultures

Luz de las Naciones 2020

Overview 

Luz de las Naciones is an event that is based on the Hispanic/Latin cultures. For this more laid back

culture, this event was created in order to bring Spanish (and some Portuguese) speakers together.

Those reasons include passing the language on to the next generation and preserving their culture.

When relating the event to the Value Orientation, it becomes clear that it was a “Relationship Between

Humans” and more specifically that it was a collective value cultural event. People of all ages were

included in the event, no one was left out, and we know how important it is that everyone (including

deceased ancestors) have a part. In completion of this project, my eyes have been opened to the hidden

parts of the culture I didn’t already know about and have been able to now explore them.

Culture

Hispanic culture is a variety of many country’s cultures, but the focus of what I’ve learned about is the

Latin culture. There are some things that are generally known about the Hispanic culture. They are

known to be more laid back in how they do things, especially in the time they show up to events and

what time those events start in comparison with what time it was scheduled. For this culture, “family is

a close-knit group and the most important social unit” [ CITATION Clu \l 1033 ]. The way they learn is

more intimate than what we’re used to here in the United States. It’s very much one-on-one and often

through word of mouth (which tend to be anything from the grocery store to churches or recreational

centers [ CITATION Clu \l 1033 ].

Cultural Function
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Luz de las Naciones [Light of the Nations] was initiated in 1920, when missionaries started teaching in

the Spanish language to the Mexicans living in Salt Lake City. This resulted in groups being formed

specifically for those from Latin America and Spain [CITATION Las20 \t \l 1033 ]. The purpose was to

exhibit Latin cultures from all over the world with a focus on Christ. It was also a way for the people to

preserve their culture and carry on their language to the next generation [ CITATION Las20 \l 1033 ].

I had the opportunity to attend this event for the first time in 2019, however, with the pandemic, the

event was made virtual. Both times, I was intrigued by both the similarities and differences of music,

dance, dress, and ideals each country had in comparison with others ones I was more familiar with. My

in-person experience held an energy that made me want to be part of the culture. The music had me

wanting to dance along, but I couldn’t. That actually led me to recently go to a Latin dance club and

learn some of the dances. From there, I learned Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata and that for dances like

Salsa, even though many of the countries dance salsa, there are still different styles and versions of it.

Those differences of the same type of dance were displayed in Luz de las Naciones.

Value Theory

Relationships Between Humans

Hispanic culture is all about intimacy. People always greet and say goodbye to others whether that is

with a firm handshake or a hug and cheek kiss. Learning is done in closer proximity, and respect among

elders is upheld. Community and family is highly important to Latinos, which leads us to understand that

they are a collectivistic society [ CITATION Mar181 \l 1033 ]. Another hint that backs up the

collectivistic theory is that deceased ancestors are still seen as part of the family; once again,

respect for the elders comes into play. Unlike individualistic views, the collectivism continuously

shows importance portrayed to the bigger groups, families, or even teams. Loyalty and
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“collective connection to other individuals” is emphasized in the collective value of the theory

“Relationships Between Humans” [ CITATION Mar181 \l 1033 ].

Analysis

This entire culture event is based on the importance of unity and bringing together those of

similar cultures. The theme of 2019 was “Un Hogar Para Todos” [a home for everyone] and the

2020 theme was “Unidos en Esperanza” [united in hope]. Those alone give a good hint of the

importance of human interaction and unity, which fall under collectivism values in

“Relationships Between Humans.”

In the song “Cielito Lindo” [Beautiful Heaven-using heaven as an endearment to a loved one),

the way it was performed was done as a tribute to first the younger generation, then to those

who had since passed away. That portrays how Latinos tend to emphasize their importance of

connecting with other individuals [ CITATION Mar181 \l 1033 ]. People of all ages and different

countries participated, all of them coming together to celebrate their language and culture.

Reflection

When learning about this project, I honestly felt excited about it because I’ve been working on getting

out of my comfort zone. Before attending the live event of Luz de las Naciones, I wasn’t quite sure how

to react. I already knew that Hispanics are generally more laid back, but I was going to a place that I had

only attended formal events. I ended up learning that there is a time to be serious but there is also a

time to have fun, laugh, and celebrate. Also, although there were numerous countries represented in

this event, they knew how to come together and appreciate each other’s cultures and traditions.

Because I feel I started with a good attitude about this project, I don’t think it changed much. However, I
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do think that my interests changed a little. Because of this event, I did take the time to attend something

else to go into depth with something I had learned about dance.

The application of the theory helped me to understand the experience because it helped put into

perspective how important somethings are to the Hispanic culture. The songs they sang (and in one

case, WHO they sang with) made more sense and gave me more understanding of each version of the

culture. For me, this is great, because my career field tends to have an abundance of those part of the

Latin/Hispanic cultures. As I come to better understand the culture, I can better work with those who

are part of it and understand how important it is for them when something comes up with family or

something similar.

References

Clutter, A. W., & Nieto, R. D. (n.d.). Understanding the Hispanic Culture. Ohioline.

Martin, J. N., & Nakayama, T. K. (2018). Intercultural Communication in Contests. New York: McGraw-Hill
Education.

N/A. (2020, October 28). Las actuaciones de Luz de las Naciones 2020 seran virtuales. Retrieved from La
Iglesia de Jesucrito de los Santos de los Ultimos Dias-Sala de Prensa:
https://noticias.laiglesiadejesucristo.org/articulo/luz-de-las-naciones-2020#:~:text=Los%20or
%C3%ADgenes%20de%20las%20presentaciones,viv%C3%ADan%20en%20Salt%20Lake%20City.