Hispanic Heritage Month

September 17, 2021 - Wednesday, September 15 kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through Friday, October 15. It is split between two months because that’s when several Latin American countries (Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua) gained their independence from Spain (Mexico in 1810; the others in 1821). In fact, there are 21 Spanish-speaking countries honored during this month. It’s a time for Americans who identify as Latinx or Hispanic to celebrate the customs unique to their cultural backgrounds.  According to the official website at hispanicheritagemonth.gov.:

 

“National Hispanic Heritage Month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. During this month and throughout the year …[we] share history, heritage, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of past and present.”

 

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’ve curated a collection of books, local events, and online activities, all available to you for free. Whether you’re learning about a different culture or sharing your own traditions, we invite you to enjoy this celebration of Hispanic and Latinx culture. 

 

Books at the Camas Library 

 

Saturday, September 18

3 – 8 p.m.

Shute Park, Hillsboro

City of Hillsboro’s El Grito Community Festival

From website:

“This free celebration features live music, kids’ activities, hot food and other vendors, interactive community booths, and a traditional El Grito de la Independencia ceremony. Event is rain or shine.”

 

Portland Latin American Film Festival 

Movies listed September – January. 

From website:

“Portland Latin American Film Festival (PDXLAFF) serves the community as a non-profit cultural promoter under the guidance of the Hollywood Theatre. We are dedicated to showcasing perspectives of Latin American culture through an exploration of Latin film and increasing the visibility of Latin American cinema locally. PDXLAFF presents films with universal appeal that can be enjoyed by native Spanish, Portuguese, and English speakers, and other lovers of the Latin culture.”

 

 

Friday, September 17

6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Lotería Night at Arté Americas

ZOOM (Link: ZOOM.US/J/93626294397 PASSCODE: 594699)

 

Sunday, September 19

9 - 10 a.m. 

Author Talk

NPR Podcast: Isabel Allende on Alt.Latino

 

Sunday, September 19

3 - 3:30 p.m. 

Live Conversation with Noé Álvarez and Maria Hinojosa

Noé Álvarez, author of Spirit Run: A 6,000-Mile Marathon Through North America's Stolen Land External, and Maria Hinojosa, author of Once I Was You: A Memoir of Love and Hate in a Torn America External, discuss their new books with journalist María Elena Salinas.

 

 

Hispanic Heritage Month – Official Site

This site also offers a fantastic, curated selection of free activities, including the Young Portrait Explorers series from the National Gallery.  

 

EventBrite

There are a variety of events for the entire month, from food to dancing, to a keynote address. All events are free, and there is something for everyone.

 

Spanish Storytime from LA Public Library

There are many high-quality storytimes available on YouTube from public libraries. This is just one great example!