While we’re halfway through September, a monthlong celebration of Hispanic culture and history is just beginning.
Since 1988, National Hispanic Heritage Month has been observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as a way to honor the contributions of Americans whose heritage traces back to Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries from the Caribbean and Central and South America.
So why does the observance start in the middle of the month? Sept. 15 marks the anniversary of Independence Days for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico’s is on Sept. 16 and Chile on Sept. 18.
Some of South Florida’s Hispanic leaders are reflecting on what this year’s theme — “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power and Progress in America” — means to them.
“Throughout our community and our country, we keep seeing barriers broken and historic achievements when it comes to Hispanic/Latino(a) representation in all sectors of our society,” said Alexandria Ayala, District 2 Palm Beach County School Board member, in a statement. “It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the first Hispanic woman elected to the School Board, and it is my hope that this shows every young Latina that they belong in all places where important decisions are made.”
Hollywood resident Maurizio Pejoves, director at Pacific and Orient Properties LLC, philanthropist and volunteer, said he is “thrilled to see a thriving community of Hispanic professionals in South Florida.”
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a great opportunity to honor and bring awareness to the various Hispanic cultures that have made contributions to America, including my Peruvian culture,” he said. “It’s a source of great pride for me to witness the accomplishments and contributions of fellow Hispanic individuals who excel in their respective fields. Their success serves as an inspiration and an example to the diverse talents within our community, further highlighting the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month.”
For Alfredo Riascos, founder and principal at Gridline Properties in Miami, the monthlong celebration is “a reminder of the sacrifices that many Hispanic Americans have made to seek freedom and success in this amazing country.”
Jorge L. Maxion, pre-suit attorney at GOLDLAW in West Palm Beach, is the litigation attorney assigned to lawsuits for clients whose first, and in many cases, only language is Spanish.
“Prejudice and discrimination take many forms, starting with lack of representation in, for example, the courts and business companies,” he said. “When our Hispanic leaders are recognized, it is not only a point of pride, but it makes us feel included in what happens daily in the entire community.”
Events throughout South Florida this month aim to immerse residents in the sounds of samba and the sultry steps of salsa, merengue and bachata, and the smells of savory empanadas, and the sights of artwork with a cultural message.
BROWARD COUNTY
Coconut Creek
Salsa in September will feature Latin music and dance from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Coconut Creek City Hall courtyard, 4800 W. Copans Road. The Flamenkito Del Caribe band will perform. Blankets, chairs and coolers are allowed. No food will be available for purchase. Pets are not allowed. Free. Visit coconutcreek.net.
Fort Lauderdale
The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park), 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., will celebrate with a series of events throughout the month along with a featured weekend from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. The LOOP will have performances from Hispanic musicians and bands from noon to 3 p.m. each Sunday (Sept. 17 to Oct. 15). Food, art, music, movies and entertainment also will be showcased. On weekends, catch cooking demos, try flamenco dance lessons and play “loteria” (Mexican bingo) for prizes. For a full list of events, visit theloopflb.com/events/hispanic-heritage-month.
Hollywood
Miamibloco: Beats & Belonging, a weekend of free samba percussion and dance events to build community through music, will take over ArtsPark at 1 Young Circle for two days. From 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 16, join the Brazilian percussion workshop with Bateria Saideira professionals. Advance registration is required at eventbrite.com. Then get a behind-the-scenes look into Miamibloco’s Bateria Saideira program from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 17 and watch the 40-member ensemble perform. Register at eventbrite.com.
Miramar
- The Miramar Latin Music Festival, hosted by Commissioner Yvette Colbourne, will have music from Wilfrido Vargas, Brenda K. Starr, Gaitanes and Sensato from 7-11 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Miramar Amphitheater, 16801 Miramar Parkway. Admission is free. Reserve a spot at eventbrite.com.
- Dancers age 18 and older, of all levels, can sign up for the six-week program Afro-Carib Beats Dance for Adults that starts Oct. 2 at the Miramar Cultural Center – Dance Studio, 2400 Civic Center Place. Classes will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, through Nov. 8, and include lessons in dance forms such as Afrobeats, soca, reggae, kompa and traditional African dance, among others. Registration is $120 through 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at miramarculturalcenter.org.
- Latin Nights 2023, a gala awards ceremony presented by Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis, will recognize Hispanic American service and contributions, set for 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Miramar Cultural Center’s Banquet Hall, 2400 Civic Center Place. Cocktail attire is required. Admission is free. Reserve a spot at eventbrite.com.
- Los Pericos, a reggae and ska band from Argentina, will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Miramar Cultural Center Theater, 2400 Civic Center Place. Tickets are $35-$55 at miramarculturalcenter.org.
Oakland Park
Latin Fest will bring food, drink, entertainment and dance to Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 N. Dixie Highway, from 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 22. The free event will feature the sounds of Catabella Music and include a children’s activity area, food trucks and cash bars. Visit oaklandparkfl.gov/601/Latin-Fest.
Pembroke Pines
Got Culture! will celebrate Venezuela during Hispanic Heritage Month through art, food and music. The free event will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Studio 18 Art Complex, 1101 Poinciana Drive. Visit ppines.com.
Pompano Beach
- Check out “Parallel Worlds” by artist Leonardo Montoya, which showcases portraits exploring the themes of displacement, identity and resilience while featuring the challenges and rewards of migration, on display through Dec. 22. Admission is free. Baila Pompano will get people moving with lessons in salsa, bachata and other Latin dances at 8 p.m. Sept. 15. Admission is $20 and includes the dance lesson, musical entertainment, performances by professional dancers and one drink. Both events take place at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd. Visit pompanobeacharts.org.
- Lunch with Art: The Visual Arts Edition — set for 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 11 — will focus on Latin American artists. Bring your lunch and get creative with hands-on projects at Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, 41 NE First St. Admission is free, but advance registration is required at eventbrite.com.
- “Roots of an Identity” by the Latin American Arts Pavilion, an exhibition that celebrates the roots of Hispanic and Latin culture, will open during Old Town Untapped from 6-10 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, 41 NE First St. Meet October’s Artist of the Month, Michele Del Campo, whose figurative works include large-scale oil paintings and intimate charcoal drawings. Free. Visit pompanobeacharts.org/events/untapped.
- Pompano Beach Caribbean Fest is back at Community Park, 1660 NE 10th St., for its second year from 5 to 10 p.m. Oct. 14. Music, dance and cuisine will transport attendees to different Caribbean countries. There will also be displays of the islands and colorful costumes. Free admission. Visit pompanobeachfl.gov/events/pompano-caribbean-fest.
Sunrise
Baila Flamenco presents “Between Us” will dance onto the Sunrise Civic Center Theatre stage from 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 16. The show will feature flamenco, “a solo dance characterized by hand clapping, percussive footwork, and intricate hand, arm, and body movements,” according to the theater. “The dance is usually accompanied by a singer and guitar player.” Reserved seating is available for $20 at sunrisefl.gov, by calling 954-747-4646 or at the theater box office,10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd.
Broward County Library branches
Branches throughout the county will offer art exhibits, craft projects (make Guatemalan worry dolls at noon Sept. 23 at South Regional/Broward College Library), author talks, book fairs, dance lessons, concerts and even a look at “Cars and Cigars: The Enduring Mystique of Cuba” at noon Sept. 25 at the NSU-Alvin Sherman Library. Visit broward.libnet.info/events, enter “Hispanic Heritage” in the search box and select a date range for a full list of activities.
Take a swing at a piñata during the Hispanic Heritage Celebration! in Palm Springs. (Sun Sentinel file photo)
PALM BEACH COUNTY
Palm Springs
Get ready, taco lovers. The highlight of Palm Springs’ Hispanic Heritage Celebration will include a taco-eating competition by Tacos Al Carbon. With only 15 participants allowed, register before the action begins at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss the piñata breaking at 7 p.m. The event, set for 5:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Village Center Complex, 226 Cypress Lane, will also include a band, face painting, food and cultural activities. Free admission. Visit Facebook.com/villageofpalmsprings.
Wellington
Hispanic Heritage Night from 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd., will include original music and covers with a Latin twist from Mikey’s Hotswing Latin Band, as well as food trucks and other vendors. Latinos in Action Clubs from local high schools will offer dance and other presentations. Admission is free. Visit wellingtonfl.gov.
West Palm Beach
The Mandel Public Library, 411 Clematis St., has a diverse lineup of Hispanic Heritage Month-themed events — from a Spanish Conversation Group at 2 p.m. Sept. 20 in the Salento Coffee Shop on the first floor to a performance from composer and classical/flamenco-style guitarist Gladius at 1 p.m Sept. 30 in the third-floor auditorium. For a full list of events, visit wpb.org/government/mandel-public-library-of-west-palm-beach.
The Historical Society of Palm Beach County will honor Jorge Pesquera, retiring president and CEO of The Palm Beaches (formerly Discover the Palm Beaches), on Sept. 20 at the Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum inside the 1916 Historic Courthouse, 300 N. Dixie Highway. A reception is set for 5:30 p.m. with a conversation moderated by WPBF-Ch. 25 news anchor Felicia Rodriguez starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are free at pbchistory.org/events/hispanicheritage2023.
Palm Beach County Library branches
Learn how to make a variety of Mexican folk art, discover the ingredients and spices to cook chicken flautas, or explore telenovelas. These programs and more are available throughout the month at the county’s library branches. Visit pbclibrary.org for a full list.