Each year, from September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the economic, cultural, and social contributions of the more than 41.3 million Latinos residing in the U.S. In Arizona, 29% of the population is of Hispanic or Latino origin (2006).
September 15 is the anniversary of Independence Day for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Two other countries, Mexico and Chile, declared their independence on September 16 and 18, respectively.
Community Events Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
The Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce sponsors the annual Fiesta de Septiembre to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month. The event takes place on September 6, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Wickenburg Community Center. Events scheduled during the Fiesta include a special Hispanic families photography exhibit, two mariachi bands, Ballet Folklorico, and music by Barrio Latino. A mercado with arts and crafts, a "Kids Zona" area where they can make Mexican crafts, a salsa recipe contest and other activities will happen during the day.
Food City Fiestas Patrias
Promoted as Arizona's largest Fiestas Patrias celebration, you can spend Mexican Independence Day with musical performers, great food, carnival rides, fun and activities for the whole family. Admission is free. Held at Barrios Unidos Park, 16th Street and Mohave, Phoenix. Call 602-279-4669 for more information.
Friday, September 12, 2008 from 5 p.m. to midnight
Saturday, September 13, 2008 from 2 p.m. to midnight
Sunday, September 14, 2008 from noon to 10 p.m.
Chandler Mariachi Festival and Miss Mariachi Coronation
September 13, 2008, 6:30 p.m. at the Chandler Center for the Arts. This year Mariachi Los Arrieros and Mariachi Divas will be headlining the special 10-year Anniversary event. There will also be a presentation by music workshop participants and the crowning of this year's Miss Mariachi.
Hispanic Heritage Month in Chandler
The McCullough-Price House is hosting an exhibit featuring the history of a west Chandler Hispanic neighborhood, plus the works of local Latino artists whose art centers on the themes of neighborhood and home. The Hightown/Pueblo Alto history exhibit and the Mi Barrio art exhibit are part of the City’s Hispanic Heritage Month festivities. They will be on display from September 16 through November 26, 2008.
The exhibit tells the story of a unique Mexican American and Yaqui Indian neighborhood in which several generations of the original families still live. The Pueblo Alto area, or Hightown as it was known in English, was started in the early 1920s by farm workers who settled in the area, built homes, and raised families. The neighborhood is primarily in the area southeast of the intersection of McClintock Road and Chandler Blvd. Espo’s Restaurant is part of this neighborhood.
Following the theme of the history exhibit, the Calaca Latino artists collective is collaborating with the McCullough-Price House to showcase the works of several Latino artists in the Mi Barrio exhibit. This exhibit runs concurrently with the Hightown history exhibit.
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, Christine Marin, Archivist at Arizona State University, will present "The Mexicanas of the Tempe Normal School: A Look at the Cultural and Educational Foundation of Tempe, 1885 to 1936," from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on September 18, 2008 at the Tempe Historical Museum, 809 S. Southern Ave. (southwest corner of Southern Avenue and Rural Road). There is no charge for admission.
As an Adjunct Faculty Associate at ASU, Christine Marin has taught courses on the history of Mexican Americans and Latinos for the Departments of History, Chicano & Chicana Studies and Women's Studies. Marin is among the founders of ASU's prestigious Chicana/Chicano Studies Department.
Page 1: Hispanic Heritage Month Community Festivals and Events
Page 2: More Hispanic Heritage Month Activities
Page 3: Hispanic Heritage Month at Our Libraries
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
