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 44 million Latinos residing in the U.S. In Arizona, 29% of the population is of Hispanic or Latino origin (2007).
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
Hispanic Women's Conference
The largest gathering of Latinas in the nation will meet at the Phoenix Convention Center. The conference aims to motivate, educate, and provide a prime opportunity to build lasting and beneficial relationships with other women and sponsoring organizations nationwide. October 1 and 2, 2009.
Fiesta de Septiembre
The Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce sponsors the annual Fiesta de Septiembre to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month. The event takes place on September 5, 2009 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.
Chandler's Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
A free performance of "Por Amor" by local playwright and actor James Garcia. Also enjoy Mariachi Music, Opendance and Flamenco Del Sol dancers.
Tentative Schedule for Saturday, September 19, 2009
5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Flamenco del Sol Dancers / Salsa Duet / Opendance
7:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. – Play “Por Amor” by James Garcia
8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Mariachi Music Performa
All activities are held at A.J. Chandler Park in Downtown Chandler.
“Identity/Identidad”
The City of Tempe and the Arizona State University Hispanic Research Center present 20 works on paper, primarily serigraphs and lithographs, from its art collection. The works in this exhibit treat themes common in Chicana/o art such as family, community, immigration, biculture, spirituality and cultural symbols. The artists in this exhibit represent five of the states in the Southwestern U.S. with large and growing Latina/o populations and vibrant arts communities. Exhibit open through October 16, 2009.
Conexiones: Contemporary Works by Mexican Artists
This Mesa Arts Center exhibition demonstrates the kind of artwork being produced today by Mexico’s foremost emerging and established artists. Through their individual styles and medium choices, these artists preserve their cultural identity while providing a global perspective to their art. This exhibition is sponsored in part by Friends of Mexican Art. Exhibit open September 11, 2009 through January 7, 2010.
FOMA Collects
Mesa Arts Center showcases the best in Mexican folk art from the private collections of FOMA (Friends of Mexican Art) members. Artwork includes paintings and sculptures, Ocumicho ceramics, paper mache figures, retablos, historic and contemporary x-votos, carved wooden masks, and Oaxacan figures. Exhibit open September 11, 2009 through November 15, 2009.
Tempe Tardeada
Tempe Tardeada is a perfect time for families to explore and discover Tempe's Hispanic roots and culture, dating back to the mid-1800s, through entertainment, music, dance, art and exhibits. The entertainment stage will feature music ranging from traditional mariachi and boleros, to salsa and Latin dance music. This free event takes place on October 11, 2009 from noon to 8 p.m. at the Tempe Community Complex, located near the Tempe Public Library at Rural Road and Southern Avenue.
Hispanic Heritage ArtWalk
Scottsdale's regular Thursday evening art walk takes on a special theme to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. September 24, 2009 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free.
Baile de Exito “Dance For Success"
The Hispanic Leadership Forum del Oeste hosts the annual fundraiser on September 26, 2009 at the Wigwam Resort. It is a non profit organization that supports education with scholarships for Hispanic students in the West Valley who are going to junior colleges or upper graduate colleges with a major in education. The annual fundraiser will include dancing with Devotion band, auctions, raffle and socializing. September 26, 2009 from 8 p.m. to midnight. Single tickets $50 per person. For more information call 602-291-0346.
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
