Casa Zapata is a four-class house focusing on the Chican@ and Latin@ experience through educational and cultural programs. Zapata residents are engaged in a wide range of activities — staging plays for Zoot Suit week, planning film series, and sharing poetry and music at regular dorm gatherings. Zapata has been a source of inspiration, creativity and community for over three decades. Decorated with vibrant murals by renowned Latino artists throughout the common areas, Casa Zapata is also a hub for community events such as Floricanto, Posadas, and Chican@/Latin@ Reunion Homecoming, as well as host to performing groups such as El Mariachi Cardenal, Ballet Folklorico, a cappella groups, and service organizations. Zapata provides students with the opportunity to share a distinct cultural experience, form strong friendships across all undergraduate classes, and still experience the enthusiasm and spirit that is usually reserved for freshman dorms.