Please join me in celebrating Hispanic American Heritage Month which begins this Wednesday, Sep. 15th and continues until Oct. 15th.
The start date, Sep. 15th, is significant because on Sep. 15, 1821, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Nicaragua gained independence from the Spanish; the monthlong celebration also encompasses the independence days of Mexico (Sep. 16, 1810), Chile (Sep. 18, 1810), and Belize (Sep. 21, 1981). Source: History.com
In 1821, the news of independence was relayed by riders on horseback, taking a month to reach Costa Rica from Guatemala, an event still marked by an annual torch relay that concludes in Costa Rica on September 15th.
Here’s the official hub for a wide array of resources (see highlights on home page and menu across top): https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/
Since Latinx Americans have long enriched our RVA community, you’ll find many local ways to celebrate:
- Events and programs at the VMFA
- @ Dorey Park on Sep. 17: Salsa at Sunset
- Virtual Qué Pasa Festival entertainment options – https://quepasafestival.com/directory/entertainment/
- Latinx restaurants in the area – https://quepasafestival.com/directory/food/
The MLWGS Library has relevant books, movies, and CD’s. In addition to titles highlighted in the photo below, you’ll find fiction, poetry, and books about Latinx American history on the second portion of the display which is located near Ms. DeGroat’s office.
MLWGS Library 