Two of the University’s cultural organizations, L.A.S.O. (Latin American Student Organization) and S.A.M.O.S.A. (South Asian Multicultural Organized Student Association) have events planned for this weekend.

L.A.S.O. will host its third annual “Carnaval,” with poetry, food and dancing representing Latin American culture.

S.A.M.O.S.A. will also participate at L.A.S.O.’s Carnaval, with its own invitational expo featuring dancing.

In addition to its event at Carnaval, S.A.M.O.S.A. is hosting a charity basketball three-on-three tournament Saturday in the Pavilion, with the benefits going to microfinance programs in South Asia.

The tournament runs from noon to 4 p.m. and is in its fourth year at Villanova.

Carnaval will start at 6 p.m. in the Villanova Room of Connelly Center, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.

Students will represent their various ethnicities through dances including salsa, bachata and tango; poetry; and a professional singing group. Mi Tierra restaurant will supply food for the event.

Although many of the traditions that will be represented are “day-to-day” in Latin American countries, L.A.S.O. freshman representative Raul Garcia said that the club is trying to raise cultural awareness at Villanova.

“It’s a way of getting the culture out there, and it puts forth a culture that is becoming a lot more prominent in today’s American community,” Garcia said. “[Carnaval] allows people to get to know [Latin American culture] and to understand its value system a lot more.”

Students who wish to go to Carnaval can purchase tickets outside the Italian Kitchen for $6 and teams of five (including two subs) students can pay $25 for a spot in the charity three-on-three basketball tournament.