The Chico community is invited to a night of music, dancing and culture at Baile SOPhiesta, Sigma Omega Phi’s debut celebration honoring the sorority’s multicultural community. 

Attendees can expect a high-energy night with dancing and live music from a local band, Equipo Elite, said Kate Henriquez, a junior and Committee Member in Sigma Omega Phi.

The event takes place Friday, from noon to 9 p.m. at 9319 Midway, Durham.

“We’re super excited to introduce this new event and, hopefully, turn it into a tradition people look forward to every year,” said Sofia Villaseñor, a sophomore and Baile SOPhiesta Chair.

Throughout the night, there will be a raffle. Despite this being the first baile (dance in Spanish), the idea actually originates from the founding of the sorority at Chico in 1990, and originally the founding sisters would host dances as a way for community unity, Villaseñor said.

“It is especially meaningful to Sofia and me as we are Chairs of the Baile Planning Committee and are also daughters of Diana Parra-Villaseñor, Founding Mother of Sigma Omega Phi and our Chapter Advisor,” said Olivia Villaseñor, a senior in Sigma Omega Phi.

The event showcases the sorority’s community involvement by showcasing the sorority’s pillars of culture, education and unity. Bringing together different student organizations to promote cultural awareness and celebrate traditions, Sofia Villaseñor said.

One of those student organizations is Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity Inc., a Latino-based fraternity on campus, that will be doing a NAKos Taco fundraiser. They said they are excited to represent their culture positively and show up for the community by supporting another organization, said Fraternity President David Ramirez.

“When the opportunity came up to collaborate with Sigma Omega Phi, it felt natural. Events like these bring people together, and we wanted to be part of that while also supporting our NAKos Tacos fundraiser,” Ramirez said.

NAKos Tacos fundraiser is a classic for the fraternity, helping raise funds to support chapter operations, and is something they’ve done multiple times over the years. This year, they will be working in collaboration to provide tacos for the event.

There will be taco options of carne asada, chicken and their best seller, al pastor. “You won’t regret grabbing a plate,” Ramirez said.

“People can expect good food, quick service, and a solid vibe,” Ramirez said. “It’s not just about the tacos, it’s about creating an experience and supporting a cause at the same time.”

Alongside the taco fundraiser, Sigma Omega Phi will be selling duros (crunchy, puffed, deep-fried Mexican chips that are usually served with tangy, spicy or sweet toppings) and agua frescas (water made with fruits, flowers, or seeds, blended with sugar). 

This event is entirely organized by the sisters, from deciding the theme with decorations, organizing vendors, securing the venue and doing marketing for the event, the Villaseñor sisters said.

“Being part of the committee involved in planning this event has been such an exciting and meaningful experience. I am truly looking forward to it all coming together and for the community to enjoy and see what we have put together to honor our culture,”said Jazmin Figueroa, a senior Baile SOPhiesta Committee Member.

There are lots of emotions that come into planning events like this for the first time. “Being involved in organizing this event has shown me how much love and effort go into creating something that brings the community together,” said Amy Ku Pech, a junior Baile SOPhiesta Committee Member.

When it comes time for the event, the most anticipated thing that brings it all together is support and engagement from the community. 

“My favorite part has honestly been how excited people are to come and support us in hosting this new event,” Figueroa said. “As an organization made up mostly of first-generation, low-income students, we’re just really grateful for the opportunity to host something like this and see it all come together.”

Sigma Omega Phi sisters hope that with the right amount of support, this turns into an annual event. 

“Seeing all the planning come together, as well as the community support in buying tickets, has been so rewarding for our organization. It leaves me feeling hopeful in making this something we do annually,” said Kate Henriquez, a junior Baile SOPhiesta Committee Member.

Tickets are available for anyone to purchase either through the Google form found on their event fliers or Sigma Omega Phi’s Instagram bio. Tickets online are $25 each and will also be available to purchase at the door for $30, with acceptable forms of payment being Venmo or cash.

“We hope people leave feeling happy, connected, and with a greater appreciation for the cultures being shared,” said Kayla Gutierrez, a sophomore, Baile SOPhiesta Committee Member. “More than anything, we want it to feel like a space where everyone feels welcomed, celebrated and like they were part of something bigger.” 

Lucy Bakowski can be reached at [email protected]