Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually between September 15th and October 15th. It's a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Americans with ancestry from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
The dates for Hispanic Heritage Month were chosen because eight Latin American countries celebrate their independence during this time - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, and Belize.
FYI - Cinco de Mayo isn’t Mexico's day of independence but a minor holiday marking the 1862 Franco-Mexican War victory at the Battle of Puebla.)
Hispanic Heritage Month in Annapolis
There are many ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Annapolis and the cities website is a great place to start. The page, Annapolis - Hispanic Heritage Month is full of information about 21 Spanish speaking countries. For each county, learn about a favorite food, national sport, a festival, their Independence Day, and see an illustration of their flag.
Speaking of flags - Walk along Main Street in Annapolis and see the flags of Latin America and Spanish-descended countries. “If you aren’t Native American/American Indian, your people came to America from somewhere else,” said Mayor Gavin Buckley. “During Hispanic Heritage Month, we raise the flags of our Latin American and Hispanic neighbors to celebrate and recognize their amazing cultural contribution and presence in our community. I’m thrilled we can showcase the City’s appreciation of the immigrant experience and influence in Annapolis.”
Events in Annapolis:
- Saturday, Sept. 17 - Hora del Cuento Bilingue/Bilingual Storytime
- 10:30 - 11 a.m. at Busch Annapolis Library
- Info at https://www.aacpl.net/
- Saturday, Sept. 17 - Safeway Fall Festival
- 12 to 3 p.m. at Safeway on Forest Drive
- A day of fun with food sampling, prizes, activities for kids, live music and more! Meet special guests from the Baltimore Ravens, your Safeway neighbors, and local community leaders
- Saturday, Sept. 17 - Mariachi Music
- 2 - 3 p.m. at Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library
- Monday, Sept. 19 - Kids Night
- seatings at 5pm and 6pm at Caliente Grill, reservations required
- Eat dinner and learn how to make corn tortillas
- Saturday, Sept. 24 - Folktales from Latin America
- 10 - 10:30 a.m. at Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library
- A storytime for the whole family filled with folktales from Latin America.
- Info at https://www.aacpl.net
- Sunday, Sept. 25 - City Dock Fiesta
- 6 to 10 p.m. at Susan Campbell Park
- Live Performances by Fiesta del Muelle de la Ciudad con Batala Brazilian Percussion
- Email lgutierrez@annapolis.gov for info
- Sunday, Sept. 25 - Mariachi Night
- starts at 4pm at Caliente Grill, reservations required
- Monday, Sept. 26 - Kids Night
- seatings at 4pm and 6pm at Caliente Grill, reservations required
- Eat dinner and make a piñata. (AACPS is closed this day, so come early for dinner)
- Wednesday, Sept. 28 - Latin Dance Library Challenge
- 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. at Discoveries: The Library at the Mall
- Christina and Andrés bring music from different parts of the Americas. Families and children of all ages will have a great time doing the moves and hearing the instruments and stories through genres such as cumbia, salsa, merengue, bachata and more.
- Info at https://www.aacpl.net/
- Wednesday, Sept. 28 - Spanish Immersion Night
- Professor Linda from AACC will teach you how to order your dinner in Spanish and more.
- Monday, Oct. 3 - Kids Night
- seatings at 5pm and 6pm at Caliente Grill, reservations required
- Eat dinner and learn about Mexico through activities and stories
- Thursday, Oct. 6 - Hispanic Health Fair
- 3 to 6 p.m. at Allen Apartments
- Email lgutierrez@annapolis.gov for info
- Saturday, Oct. 8 - Columbian Folk Dance and Latin
- 2 - 3 p.m. at Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library
- The Cultural Dance Center’s dancers are children and adults who will provide an unforgettable performance.
- Info at https://www.aacpl.net/
- Monday, Oct. 10 - Latino Youth Art Reception
- 5 - 6:30 p.m. at City Hall
- Monday, Oct. 10 - Kids Night
- seatings at 5pm and 6pm at Caliente Grill, reservations required
- Eat dinner and learn how to make corn tortillas
- Wednesday, Oct. 12 - Spanish Immersion Night
- Professor Linda from AACC will teach you how to order your dinner in Spanish and more.
- Thursday, Oct. 13 - Hispanic Health Fair
- 3 to 6 p.m. at Madison Apartments
- Email lgutierrez@annapolis.gov for info
- Friday, Oct. 14 - Latino Justice Virtual Forum
- 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Virtual
- Email lgutierrez@annapolis.gov for info
- Saturday, Oct. 29 - Day of the Dead Festival
- 4 to 9 p.m. at Maryland Hall
- Featuring outdoor activities, food, vendors and special performances. The event is free and open to the public.
- Info - Event Webpage
- All Month
- Youth Poetry Contest (virtual) Information
- Latino Art Galleries
- City Hall Email lgutierrez@annapolis.gov for info
- Maryland Hall - Latinx Perspectives
Celebrations a Short Drive Away
Glen Burnie
Piñata Workshop - Sept. 28, 6 p.m. at Glen Burnie Town CenterLearn about the history of the craft and create, decorate and fill your own small piñata. Children ages 6+ with adult. Register online.
D.C.
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History in DC is celebrating with in-person and online exhibits and activities. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History - Hispanic Heritage Month page lists everything you need to know. They are kicking off the month with an evening dance party on Friday, Sept 16. There are many activities to choose from but here are my picks for families.
- Objects Out of Storage (artifacts explained and stories shared) Sat., September 17; 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Cooking Up History (cooking demonstration) Saturday, Sept. 17; noon–1:00 p.m.
- A Conversation with Linda Alvarado (owner of the Colorado Rockies) Sept. 17; 2:00–3:00 p.m.
- Presente! A Latino History of the United States (The inaugural exhibition by the Smithsonian’s newest museum—the National Museum of the American Latino—introduces visitors to key concepts, moments and biographies that illuminate U.S. Latinos’ historical and cultural legacies.) Ongoing
- History Explorer - Hispanic Heritage Month (online resources for K-12 educators and parents)
At Home Activities
Check out the article 6 Ways to Celebrate Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month, by Boys and Girls Clubs of America, for some fun ideas on ways to celebrate the Hispanic and Latino culture with your family.
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