Hispanic Heritage Month: Events to celebrate around Orlando

Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off on Sept. 15, presenting a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history, culture, cuisine and art in the United States.

The observance coincides with the independence days of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica on Sept. 15, in addition to Mexico on Sept. 16, Chile on Sept. 18 and Belize on Sept. 21. The national theme for this year’s event is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” which honors Hispanic trailblazers who have made their mark.

Here are some ideas for ways to honor the national celebration in Central Florida.

Visual Art

• Orlando’s Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit showcases local visual artists recognizing Hispanic trailblazers within the Terrace Gallery at Orlando City Hall. The exhibition, which opens on Sept. 17, is on display through Nov. 3 at 400 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando. The gallery is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. More information: orlando.gov
• A Hispanic Heritage Month Community Celebration Event highlights Latin food, music and entertainment at Orlando Museum of Art. The free event is from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 3 at 2416 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando. More information: orlando.gov
• ¡Viva El Arte! showcases 2D and 3D artistic expressions from Central Florida Hispanic artists at Winter Garden City Hall. The show is on display through Oct. 31 at 300 W. Plant St. in Winter Garden. More information: cwgdn.com

Performing Arts

• Mexican Danza Orlando showcases a traditional Mexican folkloric dance performance by a Central Florida group outside the Orlando Public Library. The free performance is from 2-3 p.m. Sept. 15 at 101 E Central Blvd. in Orlando. Orange County Library System offers other educational and fun events throughout September and October. More information: ocls.info
• Celebrating Hispanic Voices: An Evening of Spoken Word highlights spoken word artists from the Latin community, joined by Orlando’s Poet Laureate Shawn Welcome, in a 90-minute interactive showcase of emerging talents. The free event at Dr. Phillips Center’s Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater begins at 8 p.m. Sept. 20 with first-come, first-served seating. The performing arts center will also host “Racies: The Inheritance in Our Veins” on Sept. 22, “Benise: Fiesta!” on Sept. 26, “Batizado” by Capoeira for Tomorrow on Sept. 28, “La Casa de Bernarda Alba” from Oct. 4-6 and Emmanuel on Oct. 18. More information: drphillipscenter.org
• Kia Center hosts Hispanic singers throughout September, October and early November including Colombian singer and songwriter Silvestre Dangond on Sept. 21, Banda MS on Sept. 22, the Orlando Salsa Festival on Oct. 4 and Latin Grammy Award-winner Christian Nodal on Nov. 1. More information: kiacenter.com

Community Festivals

• The Latin Jazz & Art Festival highlights Cuban-American trumpet player Arturo Sandoval, who returns to Casselberry to perform at this event. The free festival is from 5-9 p.m. Sept. 21 at 95 Triplet Lake Drive in Casselberry. More information: casselberry.org
• The Clermont Sips and Salsa Festival promises a display of cultural cuisine, plus live salsa music and dancing at Waterfront Park. Enjoy the celebration from 5-10 p.m. Sept. 21 at 330 3rd St. in Clermont. More information: clermontfl.gov
• Sunset at the Zoo: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage invites guests for an after-hours event at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens with food trucks, a DJ, themed activities and more. The event is from 5-8 p.m. Sept. 27 at 3755 W. Seminole Blvd. in Sanford. Tickets are $6 each when purchased online or $8 each when purchased at the gate. A family 4-pack ($44) includes four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas. More information: centralfloridazoo.org
• Ocoee’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration takes place at the Ocoee Community Market with Latin music, free salsa dance lessons, giveaways, door prizes and food trucks with Hispanic cuisine. Vendors will showcase products and artisan snacks. The celebration is from 5-9 p.m. Oct. 3 at 125 N. Lakeshore Drive in Ocoee. More information: ocoee.org
• Fiesta Aquatica provides Latin beats and treats spread throughout the SeaWorld water park for a vibrant celebration that’s included with park admission. The festivities take place on Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 13 at 5800 Water Play Way in Orlando. More information: aquatica.com

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