As the snow fell this past Wednesday, the Latine and Asian communities at the University of Denver got together to celebrate Valentine’s Day. On the night of Feb. 15, Latine Student Alliance (LSA) and Asian Student Alliance (ASA) collaboratively hosted Amor y Amistad, a celebration of love and friendship. 

Between conchas, card composing, friendship bracelet making and hot chocolate, students and members of the DU community from all demographics showed up for a night of laughter, music and chitchat. 

“I feel really grateful just being able to have events like this. It’s really important for me to be able to identify with people and share common cultural values and be part of collaborations like this one,” Paola Garcia Barron, a second-year student at DU and member of LSA said.

Although each affinity group tends to host successful events by themselves, collaborations are favorites of the communities. Earlier this quarter, LSA and BSA (Black Student Alliance) hosted the Identity Jubilee, an event dedicated to creating a safe space for shared experiences of belonging. Last spring, LSA and NSA (Native Student Alliance) collaborated on an event to celebrate Latinidad and Indigeneidad.

“There’s nothing more beautiful than getting to bond with different people, different cultures and different experiences, and being able to take note of what we have in common,” Garcia Barron said.

Amor y Amistad was a beautiful event that welcomed all and celebrated love in all its forms. Follow ASA and LSA on Instagram for updated announcements and events.