Underneath the colorful dances and intermission churros at this year’s Carnaval, there remains a deeper, more fundamental call from the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS), which runs Carnaval, for increased engagement from students on campus in Latinx culture and issues.

Cadenza staff decided to put together a small preview of what’s going on in the Washington University performing arts world this weekend.

Months of work putting together Carnaval were lost in a single headline as I sat in my advisor’s office, infuriated. I had devoted months of my time and energy to helping put together a show that was meant to express some of my sentiments and experiences as a Latino student on campus.

This weekend, the Association of Latin American Students presented “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” for the 16th year. Carnaval, a blended showcase of dances and skits, both celebrated Latin American culture and pointed out intersectional issues that are prevalent in our society, even within the microcosm of Washington University.

In light of our coverage of this past weekend’s Carnaval event, Student Life apologizes to the Association of Latin American Students, the Latinx community and any other affected parties for misrepresenting the nature of the event and therefore trivializing issues that are pertinent to the Washington University community and the Latinx community as a whole.

In the past few weeks, students have put aside their studies to showcase their singing, dancing, poetry and acting talents, and they have been rewarded with significant support from fellow students.

Although the new Saturday afternoon show did not see as high a turnout as anticipated, students enjoyed the colorful and energetic performances of the 15th annual Carnaval this weekend.

Students danced and costumes sparkled as a sold-out crowd drowned out the music with its screams in Edison Theatre Friday and Saturday nights. Carnaval 2013 – “Arroz con Poyos,” the collective work of more than 150 student participants, culminated in an energetic celebration of Latin American culture and showcased student talent and dedication.

Friday and Saturday nights’ shows of energetic dancers, colorful and over-the-top costumes and vivid Latin music were the culmination of more than three months of practice for performers, actors and stage crew. Carnaval, presented by the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS), is an annual Latin cultural show.

Each weekend, Washington University features a number of different exciting events. The end of the semester is filled with activity, and this fact has never been truer than this weekend. There are even more exciting events than usual. If midterms aren’t driving you crazy, why not check one out?