Gator Guayabera Guateque

The Association of Hispanic Alumni proudly hosted the 1st Annual Gator Guayabera Guateque in Coral Gables in May 2004. Special guests included Dr. Bernard Machen, President of the University of Florida, and Mayor Don Slesnick, City of Coral Gables. Over 300 alumni and students were in attendance at the celebration which included music, dancing, dominoes, dinner and more! Proceeds from the event benefitted the Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures, aka “La Casita.”

What is a Guayabera?
The Guayabera (goo-ah-yah-bay-rah) is a men’s shirt that originated in Cuba. They are made with light material and are worn outside the pants. Some Guayaberas are embroidered.

What is a Guateque?
A Guateque (goo-ah-tay-kay) is a social gathering in the countryside that originated in Cuba. There is usually music, dancing, and singing, especially of decimas.

Guateque Encore
The Gator Guayabera Guateque Encore brings the Association of Hispanic Alumni to La Casita for UF's Homecoming Weekend. Music is played, breakfast is served, and old and new friends reunite to talk and have fun before the biggest Gator Football event of the year. This is also where the AHA presents La Casita with the earnings from the Guateque in May.

The Association of Hispanic Alumni of the University of Florida presented $43,000 to UF President Bernie Machen during Homecoming Weekend in October 2006. The donation was from the proceeds of the 3rd Annual AHA Gator Gauayabera Guateque which was held in May. Funds will be used to support the Instituteo fo Hispanic-Latino Cultures, aka "La Casita," and the AHA scholarships. Two new scholarships were announced at the event. Over 200 Gators-including Dean of Students Eugene Zdziarski, Associate Dean of Students Dr. Mary Kay Schneider, and Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Patricia Telles-Irvin--attended the check presentation event.

2008 Sponsors

Past Success

In its inaugral year, the Association of Hispanic Alumni raised $10,000 to be donated to the Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures, from which six undergraduate scholarships were awarded.

In its second year, the AHA surpassed their previous success by raising $18,500, $10,000 which is being used for 10 university student scholarships.

Gallery of Past
Gator Guayabera Guateques