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.

Samba, zapateado, lambada, mambo, flamenco, bachata/merengue, cumbia, belly dance, tango and hip-hop. Those were the dances performed at this year’s Carnaval, the Association of Latin American Students’ annual cultural celebration, which took place on Friday and Saturday nights. “It’s amazing,” sophomore Kevin Chu said. “I’m a sucker for Latin dances.

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.

ick a cultural event on campus, be it Carnaval, Black Anthology or the bubble tea promotion on the 40. Then, take a look around. More often than not, the number of attendants that are of the culture being celebrated is larger than the number of attendants who do not identify with that culture. This can, to an extent, be expected. When one’s identity, or a friend’s, is being showcased people are more likely to set aside the time to experience events pertaining to it.

Freshman Press takes a look at some of the biggest Wash. U. traditions, like Bauhaus, Beta Bubbles, Carnaval, Dance Marathon and Diwali.

Photographs of Carnaval 2009.