With the arrival of mid-September, the Hispanic Heritage Month comes to life. Spanning from September 15 to October 15, this month is dedicated to honoring and appreciating the multifaceted tapestry of Hispanic culture and history in the United States.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize and appreciate the immense contributions of over 60 million Hispanic Americans, Latinos, Latinas, and Latinx-identifying individuals to the cultural fabric and prosperity of the United States.
It's a celebration of resilience, dedication to faith, family, and country. Here is a closer look at how Americans are celebrating the month this year:
1. The Reston Multicultural Festival: A Cultural Extravaganza
Kicking off the month in style is the Reston Multicultural Festival, a grand event promising a day brimming with music, dance, authentic cuisine, engaging activities, and more. Celebrating Reston's diverse cultural heritage, the festival is set to take place on Saturday, September 23, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Reston Town Center. Participants are also encouraged to don attire that showcases their pride in their cultural roots. The event will host over 20 performers on three stages and feature 30-plus arts and crafts vendors offering items from around the world. Notable performers include Furia Flamenca, Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, and Mystic Warriors, making it a truly enriching experience.
2. Foreign Language Film Series: A Cinematic Celebration
Film enthusiasts have something special to look forward to during this Hispanic Heritage Month. The Alden at McLean Community Center is presenting a Foreign Language Film Series, celebrating the month with a special screening of "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" directed by Pedro Almodóvar. This dark comedy, shown in Spanish with English subtitles, explores eccentric characters and unexpected twists. The screenings are scheduled for Thursday, October 5, at 1 p.m., and Wednesday, October 11, at 6:30 p.m.
3. Library Workshops and Literary Celebrations: A Creative Journey
Fairfax County Libraries are inviting participants to embark on a creative journey through various workshops for school-age children, allowing them to explore Hispanic culture through art. From creating tissue paper flowers on September 21 to painting amazing alebrijes on September 28, these workshops provide hands-on experiences that nurture cultural appreciation.
Moreover, book lovers can dive into curated reading lists in English and Spanish, focusing on the Hispanic experience, all thoughtfully compiled by the libraries.
