ROUND ROCK, Texas — For the first time, the Willamson Museum in Round Rock, Texas, held a big celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month.
One of its volunteers, Leslie Ortiz, got her hands dirty showing attendees how adobe bricks were once created. She explained how the Spanish brought the technique over when they built missions in Texas.
Denise Hunt is an Educational Assistant with the Williamson Museum.
"There was a mission in Williamson County called Mission Saint Xavier back in the 18th century," said Hunt.
"I think it's very interesting. I think I didn't really realize how important it was to the missions," said Ortiz.
Ortiz also said she is learning while she is raising awareness about her culture.
"I went to The Alamo in the fourth grade and I remember it was such a big building. It was so cool that it was so old, stood there for so long. I didn't know the foundations of it were, until today actually and how long clay, adobe can stay together," said Ortiz.
It is an eye opening experiencing for the accounting major.
"No, it's like mud! And it's surprising mud can build such great things, so it's pretty cool," said Ortiz.
Other cool things included a mariachi band from Stony Point High School.
Inside, volunteers showed everyone how to make handmade tortillas.
"Tortillas are a very traditional food from Mexico. You make them a lot with corn," said Hunt.
Hunt also said there is a very large Hispanic population in Round Rock.
Activities, like maracas making, highlight that population.
And remember Ortiz? The mud-loving Longhorn who wants others to love her culture as much as she does.
"But I really do want to maintain the hobby of just like going and volunteering especially with like Spanish heritage because its a big part of my culture," said Ortiz.
Activities for this event will continue Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.