Plenty of ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Prince George’s County! Image source: M-NCPPC
Enjoy this guest post of Hispanic Heritage Month activities from Lindsey Baker of Baker Cruz Services!
The first national celebration of Hispanic culture took place under President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. The celebration lasted a week. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan extended the celebration to thirty days, from September 15 to October 15. Today, Hispanic Heritage Month is a month long opportunity to celebrate the contributions of people of Hispanic (and often Latinx) origin and descent to our country.
Hispanic Heritage in Prince George’s County
In Prince George’s County, approximately 17% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. With many of Prince George’s County Latinx residents coming from Central America, the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month has special significance.
Catch the Latino Art League at Montpelier Arts Center. Image source: M-NCPPC
September 15 is Independence Day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. September 16 is Mexico’s Independence Day and Chile’s is September 18.
Hispanic Heritage Month Events
Prince George’s County is ready to celebrate the month properly! Exhibits, lectures, movies, festivals, and more mean there is an opportunity for everyone to join the festivities. Most of the events are family friendly and free.
Enjoy entertainment by the Latin Fusion band Zakke and DJ TC Soundz. Image source: M-NCPPC
M-NCPPC Events
Kick off the month by attending the opening reception at Prince George’s Ballroom on Saturday, September 14. Tickle your tastebuds at a Taste of Hispanic Culture on September 21 at the South Bowie Community Center. The event includes tasting, dancing, and arts and crafts. Check out the website for more information on all over 30 great events.
PGCMLS Events
Prince George’s County Library System won’t be outdone by our parks system. Their website has a wealth of related reading recommendations for all ages. They have planned events at branches throughout Prince George’s County. A visit to their event calendar (which is searchable) is a great place to start. Lots of craft activities, story times, and more–all Hispanic Heritage Month themed.
Plenty of opps to catch this great performer! Image source: PGCMLS
Festival del Rio Anacostia
Another major event to mark your calendars for is Festival del Rio Anacostia. This year the event takes place on October 12 at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. With lots of yummy food, music, and partners, the event pulls together the Latinx community to celebrate the Anacostia River.
Prince George’s County is a place where many different cultures intersect. Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate some of the many wonderful cultures that make our County great. This month is a wonderful opportunity to explore your community’s event or venture to a new place.
Keep the Celebration Going!
Hispanic Heritage Month ends of October 15. But celebrating Latinx culture and contributions doesn’t have to end! Throughout the Route 1 Corridor, there are a number of year-round opportunities to learn more and celebrate.
Image source: M-NCPPC
Latin Cuisine
There are plenty of tasty restaurants in the Route 1 Corridor where you can try out the delicious food of various Latinx countries year round. Pupuseria La Familiar has several locations offering El Salvador’s most famous dish, pupusas, as well as a variety of other local favorites. Taqueria La Placita in Riverdale Park is just one of many amazing taco options in Riverdale Park.
Spanish-English Programs
Throughout the year, Prince George’s County Libraries offer a variety of Ready 2 Read Storytimes in Spanish. Patuxent Research Refuge periodically offers programming in Spanish and focused on the Latinx relationship with the environment. Keep an eye on their programming website.
With lots of fun and tasty options, it’s not too hard to keep the celebration going!
Build a Connection this Year!
Are you wondering how you might join in on this important commemoration? If your work intersects with Prince George’s County’s Latinx population, you can plan ahead now to think about how you might connect to potential customers, partners, and visitors. Simple ideas include a special event, exhibit, or series of social media posts.
Baker Cruz Services
Need help? No problem. Baker Cruz Services is happy to talk through ideas, provide translation, interpretation, or cultural competency training.
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