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 45 million Latinos residing in the U.S. In Arizona, 30% of the population is of Hispanic or Latino origin (2009).
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
These events appear in date order. Check back often, as I add events as they come to my attention.
Mexican Cinema Showcase
September 4 - September 25, 2011. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month Phoenix Art Museum presents the latest narrative, documentary and short films by, from or about Mexico, Spain and Latin America. Many of these films have screened at film festivals across the world and most can only be seen here at this Museum. Films will run every Sunday at 1 p.m. with a special selection of short films on Wednesday, September 28 at 6 p.m. $5 per person, free for Museum members.
Raices: Celebrating Chandler’s Hispanic Families
August 19 - October 1, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The City of Chandler has curated a photographic history of Chandler’s Hispanic families over the course of seven years, including historical biographies and historical photography. The exhibition will be presented in two locations, at the Chandler Center for the Arts Exhibition Hall and the Vision Gallery in Chandler’s City Hall complex. Both locations will highlight images and stories from Chandler’s Hispanic families. A Community Celebration Reception will take place on Friday, September 16, 2011 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at both locations.
Fiesta de Septiembre
Saturday, September 3, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce sponsors the annual Fiesta de Septiembre to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month. The event takes place in Historic downtown Wickenburg. Events scheduled during the Fiesta include Mariachi groups, folklorico dancers, salsa and margarita contests,outdoor mercado, food and beverage cantina, historic photo exhibits and crafts booths, and a food fair.
Mixing It Up: Building an Identity
Saturday, September 17, 2011 through January 28, 2012. An exhibition celebrating and examining how works created by Mexican-American artists are influenced by the cultures of both Mexico and the United States. The exhibition features examples of Mexican American art from the collection of the Hispanic Research Center at A.S.U. These works address themes about personal identity, national identity, family and community and labor and border issues. Free admission. A free public opening reception is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, September 17th. Tempe Center for the Arts Gallery.
Glendale Hispanic Network Luncheon
Thursday, September 22, 2011. http://phoenix.about.com/library/blmapdowntownglendale.htm">Glendale Civic Center. This year's guest speaker is Luis Gonzalez, special assistant to the president and CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks speaking on "Heritage, Diversity, Integrity and Honor: The Renewed Hope of America." Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall will also speak. Tickets are $35 each, or $350 for a table for 10. Reservations required. Contact Josie Romero at 623-930-2916, or Glendale Office of Tourism at 623-930-4502.
Hispanic Heritage Day at Arizona Diamondbacks
Saturday, September 24, 2011. Join the D-backs as they play the rival San Francisco Giants and recognize the fans, players and the Hispanic community. The celebration takes place in the Right Field Upper Concourse. There will be music, salsa, folklorico and mariachi performances. The first 15,000 fans to the ballpark receive a Ryan Roberts bobblehead (complete with tattoos!). Chase Field, Phoenix.
Chandler's Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Saturday, September 24, 2011. Featuring performances by Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Mariachi Flores Mexicans, Particia Martin, Ballet Folklorico Quetazalli at the Chandler Center for the Arts.
Fiesta Phoenix
Sunday, October 2, 2011 from noon to 10 p.m. A cultural celebration with music, dancing, food and entertainment. Car display, arts exhibits, mariachis, Latino bands, Ballet Folklorico. Downtown Phoenix.
Hispanic Women's Conference
October 6 & 7, 2011. 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.
Tempe Tardeada
Sunday, October 9, 2011 from noon to 8 p.m. 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 at the Tempe Community Complex, located near the Tempe Public Library at Rural Road and Southern Avenue.
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
