Quinnipiac University proves you don’t need to travel far to experience some rich culture. The Latino Cultural Society hosted its annual Copacabana Night Saturday, Oct. 24 in Alumni Hall.

Students flooded Alumni ready to salsa and load up on the free food from Ixtapa Grill. The live salsa band, Karibe Mambo, got everyone out of their seats and taught students basic steps in salsa.

“This night is supposed to be just a fun night where students can come and dance,” LCS President Talia Monroy said.

“This is the only event I go to all year,” senior Maria Boxill said. “Last year, when the band played music I got to dance up on stage. The turn-out was great.”

Members from LCS estimated over 200 students attended last year, and this year was just as successful.

“I love to dance. You’ll see me on the dance floor the entire night,” Boxill said. “Plus the food is great – you’ll gain like 10 pounds.”

Sophomores Veronica Nicolle, Whitney Hronec, and Kim Dundon agreed: “We came for the music. We also donated to Nicaragua: Alternative Spring Break. Our friend who was a part of LCS told us to come and check it out.”

“I heard Ixtapa and came,” Nicolle added.

“This is just for students to have fun,” PR representative of LCS Felicia Valle said. “It’s a different feel for students to enjoy Latin music.”

A night of great food, friends and music was the perfect way to celebrate Quinnipiac’s diversity.

“It’s important to have diversity on campus,” freshman LCS member Lee Lopez said. “Culture should be shared. It’s important for others to learn about other cultures and be able to experience it.”