Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month: Honoring Hispanic Culture and Traditions
The Port Washington Public Library is honored to host its second annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. It is a time to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States. This month-long celebration, which runs from September 15th to October 15th, recognizes Hispanics’ role in shaping American society.
During this time, the Port community comes together to honor the Hispanic heritage through various events and activities, from the most prominent Latino writers, including Nobel Prize winners in literature and Latin cooking demonstrations, to dance-art exhibits. Join us to engage with and learn about Hispanic culture.
Let us take the time to appreciate and learn from these diverse cultures and histories. Through understanding and respect, we can continue building a more inclusive society. Recognizing the diversity within the Hispanic community is important, with each country having unique traditions and customs.
For more registration information, click the “Register here” links or call the ESOL Department at 516-883-4400 ext 1308 or ext. 1313.
Celebre el Mes de la Cultura Hispana– (Para los detalles en español)
An Exhibit of Remarkable Hispanic Writers Throughout History
September 1st- September 30th in the Community Gallery
Latin American literature has a rich literary tradition that dates back many centuries. It rose globally throughout the second half of the 20th century during the Latin American Boom, a literary movement when the work of a group of Latin American novelists became widely circulated in Europe and throughout the world. The Port Washington Public Library’s exhibit showcases history’s most influential Hispanic writers, including six of the eleven notable Hispanic Literature Nobel Prize winners from Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, and Spain. Visit our Community Gallery on the Upper Level through the month of September for this wonderful exhibit!
Cumbia, Empanada, & Arepa Battle
Tuesday, September 19 at 7:00 pm • Lapham Room, Lower Level
Lapham Meeting Room
Join us as our Hispanic ESOL students battle for the best food and dance title! Our ESOL students will delight us with dance steps that take us back to their roots. Enjoy a sampling of the food, listen to variations of cumbias from different Latin countries, and enjoy an exceptional performance of the incredible Doumbek drummer Casey Bond. There will also be Latin American flag face painting for kids! Come and give a round of applause to the best.
Register Here
Aerorumba
Friday, September 22nd at 7:00 pm
Lapham Meeting Room
Celebrate through music and dance! Let’s move with the rhythm of Latin music, including reggaeton, salsa, merengue, and bachata with instructor Kiko Salsa. Be part of a one-hour aerobics dancing class—an activity for all ages. Fun guaranteed!
Register Here
KIDS: Lotería
Wednesday, September 27 from 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Play Lotería (a fun Mexican bingo game) and learn new Spanish words with Ms. Jessica, then create a beautiful paper flower craft. This program is for families with children ages 5 to 12.
Register Here
Paraguayan Cooking Demo
Wednesday, September 27 at 7:00 pm • Lapham Room, Lower Level
Discovering the richness of Paraguayan culture through food with Chef Paul Monges. This snack board is ideal if you need a quick holiday appetizer for a party! Come and have a tasty sampling while learning how to make it. Registration required.
Register Here
Fiesta in the Park
Sunday, October 1, from 2-6 pm • Blumenfeld Family Park
Raindate: Sunday, October 8
Port Washington’s Second Annual Fiesta in the Park for Hispanic Heritage Month is scheduled to take place on October 1, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Blumenfeld Family Park (across the street from the Port Washington Public Library (PWPL). Live orchestra playing top salsa and other hits, dance lessons, children’s performances, sweet and savory Latin American cuisine, quality children’s crafts, and entertainment – a family event for our community by our community!
This year’s performance lineup includes headlining band, Los 9 Del Sabor, two PRC children’s classes dancing to popular Latin American music; Morenada Central, a Bolivian dance group, performing a traditional dance; Bach to Rock and a display of multinational native dresses, to name a few.
Activities for children will be offered by all participating non-profits and vendors. The PWPL will once again offer their Latin American passport experience for the children, and this year, they have added countries to their repertoire! The library’s ESOL students will also be putting together other fun crafts for kids. The crafts not only provide an engaging and interactive experience but also promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
After a successful participation at last year’s Fiesta in the Park, Port Washington’s own Abuelita’s Desserts by Isaac Santiago and Smusht by Steve Edelson is coming back to delight Fiesteros. They will be joined by the Churro Chick serving original flavor, cookies and cream, Nutella, and other delectable churro options. Food trucks and other main course options serving Latin American cuisine will be available for purchase as well.
The Fiesta in the Park event is free admission for all. Free street parking is available, as well as additional parking in the Port Washington Public Library. In case of inclement weather, the rain date is scheduled for October 8, 2023. For real-time updates, please follow the event Instagram page @hispanicheritagepw.
This event is in partnership with the Port Washington Public Library, the Parent Resource Center (PRC), Landmark on Main Street, and the Township of North Hempstead.
To learn how you can be a part of this historic celebration, including volunteer and sponsor opportunities, please visit the Fiesta in the Park webpage on the PRC website at parentresource.org/fiesta.
Family Film: Encanto (2021- 102 min.)
Monday, October 9 at 2:00 pm • Lapham Room, Lower Level
The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift — every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger. This film will be shown in English with Spanish subtitles. No registration is required.
Latino Talent Night
Thursday, October 12 from 6 – 9:00 pm • Lapham Room, Lower Level
A vibrant musical night with talented tango dancers, flamenco dancers, and Latin performers, including our Hispanic ESOL students. There will also be an amazing exhibit of traditional clothing, crafts, and food from Latin America.
Register Here
These events are made possible through the generous support of the Friends of the Library.