These cap-and-gown ceremonies, many with mariachi and danza folklórica accompaniment, supplement the more traditional solemn diploma delivery lines to an estimated crowd of several thousand Latino recipients this year.
Tamales and lechón asado expand the cake-with-the-frosting menus offered attending families and friends.
A few of Latino celebrations trace their humble roots back half a century or more. Many receive financial and other material support from their own higher education institutions, alumni associations and communities.
This growing tradition highlights the accomplishments of Hispanic graduates in nearly every state, the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, Spain and students representing most all of the two dozen Hispanic nations spread throughout South and Central America and the Caribbean.
