Annual Salsa on the Square Brings Gettysburg Community Together
Salsa on the Square was held in the College Union ballroom this year due to rainy weather conditions. (Rifat A. Anik/The Gettysburgian)
By Rifat A. Anik, Contributing Writer
Despite forecasted rain, the annual Salsa on the Square event brought couples dancing, children playing and families enjoying traditional meals to the College Union Ballroom on Friday, Sept. 27. Originally slated for Lincoln Square, the event moved indoors due to poor weather, transforming the ballroom into a warm, jazzy celebration of Latino culture.
The event was organized by Project Gettysburg-León, an organization that connects Gettysburg to its sister city of León, Nicaragua, in cooperation with the Center for Public Service. This year marks the sixteenth iteration of the celebration in Gettysburg.
Salsa on the Square aims to connect local and national groups while uniting disadvantaged communities to celebrate Latino culture.
Performances by Hector Rosado and his Orquest A-Che, DJ Solalinde and Danza Tenochtli entertained on stage while food from various vendors added to the cultural immersion. Mayor Rita Frealing commemorated the event, further elevating the significance of the evening.
Live music was played during Salsa on the Square. (Rifat A. Anik/The Gettysburgian)
The event also engaged attendees with its many activity booths, one of which was run by the Butterfly Coalition, a campus club focused on immigrant advocacy.
“Salsa on the Square is like a platform and a uniter,” said Butterfly Coalition vice president Cynthia Ortiz-Sanchez ’26. “Both in our efforts to help undocumented students on campus understand what that means and for the members of the community, as they flock here to learn about the resources available to them.”
Cynthia also emphasized the event’s role in bridging the gap between the college and the town. “Salsa on the Square started with the hope of uniting the college campus with the town and the community members. It’s a way to bring everyone together through music, food, and culture,” she said.
Lorenzo, a local resident who attended the event with his kids, appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere. “The kids make new friends and talk to new people. They like the activities, and I’m glad they can see the heritage from home,” he said. “The food here is similar to what we have back home and it’s great to get a taste of that here.”
Lorenzo also highlighted the event’s impact on the Hispanic community in Gettysburg.
“Programs like this are important because they bring people together and help us feel part of the larger community,” he added.
The event continues to serve as a vibrant celebration of Latino heritage, strengthening the bonds between Gettysburg College, the town of Gettysburg and the wider community.
Attendees dancing in the College Union ballroom during the Salsa on the Square celebration. (Rifat A. Anik/The Gettysburgian)
