I-Fest winner

The group Mariachi Luna Llena, with assistance from folkloriko dancer Ciara Pino, won first place at Rice’s International Fest Oct. 19 at the Rice Memorial Center. The group represented the Hispanic Association for Cultural Enrichment at Rice (HACER) and donated more than $1,000 in proceeds from the event to Casa de Esperanza, which provides a safe haven for children in crisis caused by abuse, neglect or the effects of HIV. Five cultural organizations participated in I-Fest: HACER, Rice African Student Association, Caribbean Student Society, South Asian Society and Black Student Association.