Writer: Gabriela Enamorado
2 min read September 2023 — National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the contributions, cultures and histories of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States. The month begins on Sept. 15, a significant date because it is the anniversary of independence for various Latin American countries, and closes out on Oct. 15.
The significant economic impact of the Hispanic community in the U.S. is reflected in data reported by the census. From 2019 to 2020, Hispanic-owned businesses grew from 346,836 to 375,256. This is about an 8% increase, and Hispanic-owned businesses made up around 6% of businesses in the United States in 2020. In Palm Beach County, 24% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.
From art exhibits to live performances and supporting local businesses, there are many ways to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month in Palm Beach County this year. From Sept. 15 to Oct.15, the county will host a multitude of festivities and educational events in celebration of the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, development and achievements of the United States. Invest: explores what some of these offerings will entail.
TGIF Celebration Honoring Latin Heritage Month x Office of Latin Studies
On Sept. 29, Rohi’s Readery in West Palm Beach will host a celebration in partnership with Palm Beach County School District’s Office of Latin Studies. The event will feature a storytime art, music, dance and vendors, as well as a performance by the Santaluces Community High School Latin Dance Performance. The celebration aims to promote diversity and inclusion by highlighting the Latinx community. The event begins at 5pm and ends at 9pm.
For more information, click here
Cuentos y Canciones! Hora de Cuentos Bilingüe/Stories and Songs! Bilingual Storytime
At the West Boynton Public Library branch, there will be a family-friendly bilingual event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Geared primarily toward those with young children and babies, ‘Cuentos y Canciones!’ will feature storytime sessions in English and Spanish, as well as songs in both languages. Aside from this event, the Palm Beach County Public Library System has events lined up for almost every day of Hispanic Heritage Month, providing plenty of opportunities for learning and celebration.
Click here to register for the event and here for more library events
Music Showcase: Gladius
This National Hispanic Heritage Month Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County’s oldest library, will welcome award-winning composer and a classical/flamenco style guitarist Gladius. He will be performing a musical showcase at the library on Sept. 30 from 1 to 2pm. For those interested, this is a free event.
For more information click here
Puerto Rico in Music and Dance
‘Puerto Rico in Music and Dance’ is another event that will be hosted at the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach and will celebrate Puerto Rican culture. Puerto Rico is known for its rich musical heritage and the Puerto Rican Cultural Society of Palm Beach County has created an event to showcase it. This event, happening on Oct. 8 from 2pm to 4pm, will feature música jíbara, folk music, bomba and more, as well as light cultural refreshments.
For more information click here and here for more Mandel Public Library events
First Friday @ 5: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage
At Centennial Park & Amphitheatre on Oct. 6 from 5 to 9pm, the City of Boynton Beach will welcome Jesus Manuel y Su Orquesta, a performance to honor the heritage and achievements of Hispanics and Latinos in the United States. This free concert will also feature salsa lessons by Delray Ballroom, a local vendor market, food trucks and more educational opportunities to learn about Latino and Hispanic culture.
For learn more click here
