Extra Blogger Post #2: Latinx|e Heritage Month Reflection

 During Latinx|e Heritage Month, I decided to celebrate by listening to the official Spotify playlist. What I expected to be background music quickly became something much more meaningful. The playlist was full of rhythm, energy, and emotion; each song felt like it was telling its own story. Even without attending the closing celebration, I still felt connected to the spirit of the month through the music itself. The playlist became my way of participating, of learning, and of appreciating culture through sound.

One thing that stood out to me was how deeply I connected to the songs even though I don’t fully speak or understand Spanish. I caught certain phrases and emotions, but most of the time it was the tone of the voice, the beat of the drums, or the melody that communicated meaning. It reminded me that music is a universal language. I didn’t need to translate every lyric to feel what the artist was expressing: Joy, heartbreak, pride, or strength. That realization made listening even more powerful because I could focus on the feeling rather than the words.

The playlist itself offered a vibrant mix of genres and artists, from reggaetón and salsa to softer ballads and pop influences. Songs by artists like Bad Bunny, Kali Uchis, and Celia Cruz blended old and new sounds, showing the evolution of Latinx music over time. I appreciated how one moment I could be dancing to a high-energy track, and the next, reflecting quietly during a slower song. The diversity of sounds mirrored the diversity within the Latinx community, different stories, rhythms, and traditions all connected by shared emotion and creativity.

Listening to this playlist made me think a lot about belonging and cultural expression. Even though I’m not fluent in the language, I could still feel part of something bigger through the music. It reminded me how art and sound can create bridges between people who might come from different backgrounds. Each song carried a sense of pride and resilience that felt contagious. It made me want to learn more about the artists, their stories, and the histories behind their music.

Overall, the Latinx|e Heritage Month playlist was a beautiful way to honor and explore the richness of Latinx culture. It allowed me to celebrate in my own way, through listening, reflection, and appreciation. I came away feeling grateful for how music can communicate across barriers and make us feel connected, even when we don’t share the same language. The playlist reminded me that sometimes understanding isn’t about knowing every word, it’s about letting the rhythm and emotion speak for themselves.

Comments

  1. Daniel StoneOctober 30, 2025 at 11:40 AM

    Hi Angelina! I did not end up doing this assignment so I really loved the insights you were able to provide. I really appreciated how you connected the diversity of the music, to the diversity of the Latinx community as a whole. I also thought your closing paragraph was great on sharing how letting the rhythm and emotion of the songs speak for themselves rather than fully understanding the song.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jamie HsuNovember 11, 2025 at 10:12 AM

    Hey Angelina, I love how you described feeling connected to the songs even without fully understanding the lyrics; I agree that music really is a universal language. It’s incredible how tone, rhythm, and emotion can communicate meaning across cultures.

    ReplyDelete

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