Sofia Vergara fans will have to settle for seeing her on TV as she will not be coming to speak on campus this semester. Her shooting schedule for “Modern Family” conflicted with her ability to visit.

As Isabel Acevedo stood before the Washington University campus, one thing struck her—the trees. Despite the fact that it was April, the trees loomed naked over her. Bare, exposed and vulnerable without their familiar leaves to protect them. “I was a little scared,” she said, now from the comfort of her desk in the Central West End.

Crowds of students and community members filled Edison Theatre Friday and Saturday nights for Carnaval, a cultural dance performance, put on by the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS).

Carnaval, which is organized annually, showcases cultural dances and features a skit that deals with common social issues.

What started out as a fun idea involving a small group of Washington University students has expanded into a full-blown tradition, the cultural phenomenon known as Carnaval. Put on by the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS), Carnaval features a wide variety of cultural dances, such as salsa and belly dancing, along with an informational skit about some of the misrepresentations and concerns of the culture.

Bowles Plaza will be bustling Saturday afternoon with performers from WUPops and Flamenco, Mariachi and Samba dancers, in celebration of the opening of El Mercado, a Latin-themed student-run market. The Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) is coordinating El Mercado for the third year, after a one-year hiatus. Many other student groups will participate in the event, including Global Medical Brigades, Female Association of Business and Ashoka.