Spanishpalooza sparks cultural connection at UC Clermont

It was Assistant Professor Stephanie Alcantar’s second year teaching Spanish at the college, and she was eager to share a piece of her Mexican heritage with students.

“I wanted to create a space where education didn’t stay confined to the classroom or limited to the screen (for my online students) but where they could build, create and experience culture with their own hands,” Alcantar said.

That first year, Alcantar and her Basic Spanish students — many of whom had never set foot on campus — worked alongside Student Success Librarian Kathy Ladell to build the Día de los Muertos altar. The project was simple but powerful: Students shared stories, crafted decorations and discovered the meaning behind a tradition that honors loved ones and celebrates life. Word spread quickly. Staff stopped by to see the altar, students lingered to ask questions and UC Clermont felt energized by the creativity unfolding in its library.

From that spark, Spanishpalooza was born — and has since grown into the campus’s most vibrant cultural celebration. Now in its fourth year, the annual event transforms UC Clermont into a living classroom and important community gathering.

For Alcantar, who grew up in Mexico, Día de los Muertos is more than a holiday; it’s a deeply personal tradition. The holiday is celebrated Nov. 1 and 2 in Mexico and other Latin countries and reunites living and dead family members through altars and other traditions. “It’s meant to be lived, not just observed,” she said.

Spanishpalooza brings that vision to life, inviting students, faculty, staff, families and community members to participate in every detail: building the altar, crafting decorations, tasting traditional treats, enjoying live music and face painting. This year, the altar filled the stage of UC Clermont’s Krueger Auditorium — a visible sign of the event’s growing impact.

“This celebration transforms UC Clermont into a space where academic learning blends seamlessly with hands-on cultural experiences,” Alcantar said. “It fosters curiosity, engagement and meaningful connection — experiences that resonate long after the event ends.”

What began as a class project now draws nearly 45 volunteers and participants from across campus and beyond. Assistant Professor Brian Derico helped Alcantar lead the most recent celebration. Support from UC Clermont Dean Jeffrey Bauer has helped Spanishpalooza flourish, and this year’s event welcomed high school students from Batavia and DePaul Cristo Rey, adding fresh energy and new perspectives.

“When educators reached out to bring their students, it showed how deeply Spanishpalooza resonates beyond our campus,” Alcantar said. “It’s inspiring to see high school students imagine themselves learning, creating and becoming part of our community.”

Looking ahead, Alcantar and the Spanishpalooza committee plan to expand partnerships, welcome more volunteers and bring in a variety of artistic voices.

“Spanishpalooza was once a dream,” Alcantar said. “Now it’s a vibrant, living experience made possible by the many people who believe in its vision.”

Top featured image: UC Clermont Assistant Professor Stephanie Alcantar stands in front of the Día de los Muertos altar constructed by students, faculty and staff for the college’s annual Spanishpalooza celebration. photo/Danny Kidd