Hispanic Heritage Month mural and artist, Whitney Perez (Source).
Author: Alexa Andino, Downtown Vision Marketing and Events Intern
Celebrated from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the successes of and honors the lives of Hispanic Americans throughout the United State’s history.
Why does it start in the middle of the month? The independence days for many Spanish-speaking countries fall within this specific 30-day span. September 15th is the day of significant anniversaries of Latin American independence for countries such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18. Columbus Day or Día de la Raza (Race Day/ Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity), which is October 11, falls within this 30 day period.
Here are some ways you can celebrate this month in #DTJax!
Celebrate
Viva La Fiesta
Viva La Fiesta is the first 2-day Latino Festival at James Weldon Johnson Park in DTJax!
Saturday, October 16th, 4 – 10 PM: Lots of live music, traditional Panama dance, Children’s area, Latin food, and free Bachata and Salsa classes!
Sunday, October 17th, 2 -6 PM: Salsa Sunday music and the salsa group LPT performing their album.
Jaguars Commitment to Celebrating and Honoring Hispanic Heritage
On the eve of Hispanic Heritage Month, a mural by artist, Whitney Perez, was unveiled at Alfred I. DuPont Middle School. This mural was underwritten by a grant to the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville from the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation, in partnership with Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) and the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
The mural includes 5 figures of various skin tones, to showcase the diversity in the Hispanic community, fun designs, and vibrant colors.
Learn
Speaker Series: Jackonville’s Hispanic Heritage
The Jacksonville Historical Society is hosting Speaker Series: Jacksonville’s Hispanic Heritage on October 14th from 7-8 PM, doors open at 6 PM, at Old St. Andrew’s Church (click here to learn more about this historic building and more in #DTJax).
The featured speaker is Dr. Rebecca Dominguez-Karimi. She is an oral historian, founder of Treasures From Aztlan, writer, and speaker on the Florida Humanities Council. Register for the event here.
Read Books by Hispanic Authors
Jacksonville Public Library: The library has a Books That Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month List for books for kids and adults! The library also posted a blog on Hispanic Heritage Month including some fun facts, books to check out, and popular Hispanic figures both fictional and real.
Indulge Yourself in the Culture
Damián Ortega’s Exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
August 27, 2021 – January 16, 2022
Damián Ortega is a leading Mexican contemporary artist known for the deconstruction of familiar objects and processes, altering their functions and transforming them. His work is a part of the MOCA’s Project Atrium in which artists install their work in view of the public letting them see the entire process and then finally the finished project. The space is also a unique challenge for the artists due to the placement and size of the area.
Support Local Artists
Kiara Amaris Sánchez: Kiara is an illustrator who is heavily influenced by her culture. Her works are incredibly talented doodles and illustrations that are bound to bring a smile to your face.
Itzcali Huichol: Itzcali Huichol is an online store, that offers top-quality Mexican merchandise. The owner is a Mexican woman who is proud to be able to support other Mexican women and their crafts. There is a variety of items they offer such as purses, bracelets, earrings, and clothing.
#DTJax’s Restaurants to Get a Taste of Hispanic Culture
Arepa Please: Venezuelan restaurant that combines different cultures with a South American touch.
Estrella Cocina: A rooftop restaurant and bar featuring coastal Mexican-inspired eats.
Now, go out and explore #DTJax with the many ways to take part in this celebration of Hispanic culture in our community!