HOLA Creates Community, Culture and Connection at Otterbein

For members of Otterbein University’s Hispanic Organization of Latin Americans, better known as HOLA, community and culture go hand in hand.

Open to students of all backgrounds, HOLA celebrates Hispanic and Latino cultures while fostering connection, belonging, and support across campus.

“(HOLA) focuses on building a sense of family and belonging, so students do not feel alone or like they must worry about fitting in,” said HOLA President Janette Martinez.

Throughout the year, HOLA hosts programs that highlight the diversity of Hispanic and Latino cultures and tradition, including Hispanic Heritage Month, Día de los Muertos, and Otterbein’s annual Intercultural Night.

“These events are meaningful to HOLA because they allow us to celebrate and share our culture with the Otterbein community,” Martinez said. “They give us a chance to represent different Latin American countries, traditions, and histories while bringing students together.”

In addition to cultural celebrations, HOLA organizes game nights, social events, and other activities that help members build friendships and stay connected.

The organization also partners with student groups across campus, creating opportunities for cross-cultural learning and collaboration through events such as Zine Night with URGE, cultural trivia with Birderbein, and a Valentine’s Day celebration with Thriving Artists and the Otterbein Asian Community.

These collaborations reflect HOLA’s commitment to creating an inclusive campus where students from all backgrounds can learn from one another and build meaningful relationships.

Honoring Loved Ones Through Día de los Muertos

One of HOLA’s most anticipated annual programs is its Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration, scheduled for Nov. 3 at The Point.

Observed primarily in Mexico and parts of Latin America, Día de los Muertos is a tradition that honors and remembers loved ones who have died.

“Día de Muertos also known as Day of the Dead is very special time for the Hispanic community when we honor and remember our loved ones who have passed on. Many households create a multi-tiered altar with candles and pictures of their loved ones along with things they enjoyed such as their favorite food(s) or personal items,” Martinez said.

While often misunderstood outside the culture, it is not a somber holiday centered on mourning. Instead, it is a vibrant celebration of life, remembrance, and the enduring bonds between generations.

“In many Western cultures, it is taught to fear the dead or to completely avoid the topic, but that is the exact opposite of the purpose behind Día de Muertos, which is when we honor and remember the dead,” she said.

Día de Muertos is for all loved ones – even the four-legged ones. “Another important aspect of Día de Muertos is that we also remember our furry family members who have crossed the rainbow bridge,” said Martinez.

“This beautiful celebration shows that honoring ancestors, family members, and pets can help heal grief, proving that death is just part of life and not something to be afraid of,” she said.

Building Belonging Through Culture and Community

At its core, HOLA strives to create a welcoming environment where students feel valued and connected. Through cultural events, educational programs, and campus partnerships, the organization contributes to a more inclusive community.

“HOLA has a positive impact on the Otterbein community by partnering with other organizations from different backgrounds and working together to bring students closer,” Martinez said. “We also participate in awareness campaigns that support and protect our community. HOLA helps create a more inclusive campus where people can learn about different cultures and feel supported”

For Martinez and her fellow members, that sense of connection is what matters most. “Our celebrations and events always have the goal of making people feel welcomed, included, and like they belong.”