Cesar Chavez. Jean-Michel Basquiat. Alex Rodriguez. Selena Quintanilla. All of these well-known Latinx individuals have become household names for very different reasons. From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate Hispanic and Latinx people for their contributions to American culture.
What started out as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 quickly changed within a 20-year period to a month-long celebration. September 15 is significant in that several Latin countries gained independence on this day with other countries following suit on the 16th and 18th of the months. Texas is rich with Latinx influence and Hispanic influence, so it’s no surprise there’s an abundance of ways to celebrate. Be prepared to celebrate all month with festivals, food, and dancing!
Local Events
October 12 :: The Hispanic Heritage Ambassadors of DFW will take over the Bob Cooke Park in Arlington for their Dia de la Raza Cultural Festival starting at 5:00 p.m. The festival will have vendors and live ballet folklorico.
October 14 ::If the vibrant colors and spooky skeletons of Dia de los Muertos excites you, you won’t want to miss the Bath House Cultural Center’s Dia de los Muertos artist reception and exhibition. Artists from all around the world come together in Dallas to display their creations of their perspectives on the undead. The exhibition opens at 5:00 p.m. and will continue on through November 10; it is free to the public.
Other Ways to Celebrate
Celebrating Latinx and Hispanic excellence doesn’t have to be just one month. Consider supporting Latino entrepreneurs at Traders Village in Grand Prairie or La Gran Plaza in Fort Worth. Would you like to help native Spanish speakers hone their English skills? Check your local library for conversation circles! These classes are designed to introduce Spanish speakers to conversational English. If you’re interested in learning Spanish, libraries also offer classes from beginner to advanced. If entertainment is more your speed, ballet folklorico troupes such as Azteca de Fort Worth and SOL show off their skills throughout the year at events all around the metroplex.
The Meadows Museum in Dallas is also featuring Dalí: Poetics of the Small until December 9. The exhibition focuses on Dalí’s small-format works from 1929 to 1936. After Hispanic Heritage Month is over, Dia de los Muertos festivities will begin. This holiday, traditionally celebrated in Mexico, honors friends and family members who have passed on. Denton’s well-known Day of the Dead Festival in late October is complete with coffin races, costume contests, and a pumpkin patch.
I want to wish all our readers and fellow Latinx people a happy Heritage Month!
