Every year, during Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate and honor the cultures, histories, and achievements of Hispanic Americans, whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. To date, this month formally recognizes cultures from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
President Lyndon B. Johnson first introduced National Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968–starting on September 15 to commemorate the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua from Spain. While Chile, Mexico, and Belize became independent on September 16, 18, and 21, respectively. In 1988, National Hispanic Heritage Week became a month-long celebration!
Hispanic Americans have built this country’s infrastructure, culture, and economy. Now more than ever, it is important to uplift and recognize their voices. We need to amplify the incredible contributions and accomplishments of Hispanic Americans, while re-committing ourselves to address local struggles and obstacles.
Recently, on the national level, we have seen threats to Hispanic communities, such as the vulnerability of DACA, hate crimes against the Hispanic and immigrant community, inhumane treatment on the US-Mexico border, and more.
In our home state, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has continuously made xenophobic and racist remarks toward immigrant communities and continues efforts towards limiting education on race and ethnicity in Florida schools. For example, earlier this year in April, DeSantis signed into law a culture war bill that attempts to erase our nation’s and state’s racial history, which discriminates against communities of color. Such actions by the Governor heighten the dangerous rhetoric that many Hispanic people already have to endure in the state.
We have also seen climate change have a profoundly negative impact not just in Florida, but also on our neighbors in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. Natural disasters like Hurricane Maria alongside rising temperatures are having an effect on the health and well-being of all people, but the ramifications will be more harsh for communities of color.
That is why at Team Anna we are working for you — and fighting for us. We are committed to serving the Hispanic community in every way, and are proud to represent a diverse district that reflects who we are as Americans and Floridians.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the legacy of Hispanic Americans and their ancestors, as this country would not be the same without their sacrifices and contributions throughout the decades.
Join us in celebration by attending and sharing the following local community events. Onward!
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Event Name: La Florida: Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heritage
Description: The Town of Oakland is celebrating its new combination of art and history exhibitions. The exhibition features paintings and sculptures inspired by Hispanic heritage created by local Florida artists. The reception will offer a chance to meet the artists and it will feature the Street Fusion Latin food truck. There will also be a live performance by the Don Soledad Group. The exhibition will run through November 2nd and it is open Wednesday through Friday 11 AM – 3 PM with no cost to get in.
Location: Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center, 126 Petris Avenue, Oakland, FL 34760
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Wednesday, September 14th, 2022, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
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Event Name: City Hall Terrace Gallery Exhibition
Description: The terrace gallery features national and international artists and frequently spotlights Florida artists. The City of Orlando hosted an Open Call for local artists interested in showcasing the richness of Latin American history and heritage through their art. A diverse group of 27 Hispanic visual artists was chosen to showcase their art at the city’s Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibition. The goal is for the visitors to enjoy a beautiful display that enhances rich Latin American culture through artistic creativity. The art exhibition runs from September 16th – November 14th, 2022.
Location: Orlando City Hall – Terrace Gallery, 400 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Friday, September 16th, 2022, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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Event Name: City of Orlando’s Hispanic Heritage Month Opening Reception
Description: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 2 City Commissioner Tony Ortiz host the grand opening of an art exhibition that displays artworks from local Hispanic visual artists.
Location: Orlando City Hall – Terrace Gallery, 400 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Friday, September 16th, 2022, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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Event Name: Music in the Library – La Calle Band
Description: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage by registering to be a part of the La Calle Band live performance of a quintessential Latin street party which is a seamless blend of music and dance. The energetic, high-tempo music is always sure to get a party started.
Location: Orlando Public Library, 101 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Saturday, September 17th, 2022, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Event Name: 212th Anniversary of Mexico’s Independence and Hispanic Heritage Month
Description: The Mexican Embassy in Orlando is celebrating Mexico’s Independence with several Mexican musical acts such as Lorena Herrera in this free event. There will also be pony rides, Mariachi, Folk Dance, and more.
Location: Consulado de México en Orlando, 2550 Technology Dr, Orlando, FL 32804
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Sunday, September 18th, 2022, 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
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Event Name: Celebremos la Herencia Hispana – 2022 Hispanic Heritage Art Exhibit
Description: Opening of the 2022 Hispanic Heritage Art Exhibit at the Mall at Millenia by The Hispanic Network of Orange County, an Orange County Government employee volunteer-led organization. The collaboration teams up a luxury-shopping destination with local government and community partners to bring cultural awareness.
Location: The Mall at Millenia, 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL 32839
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Monday, September 19, 2022, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
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Event Name: Mexican Danza
Description: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage by registering to experience a live Mexican Folkloric Dance performance. Enjoy colorful costumes and traditional Mexican music with the entire family.
Location: Orlando Public Library, 101 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Sunday, September 18th, 2022, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
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Event Name: Music in the Library – Viva Mexico Folklore
Description: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage by registering to embark on a musical journey from the coastal Veracruz region of Mexico to the northern border states of Monterrey and Tamaulipas. Experience traditional Mexican folklore and culture in song and dance.
Location: Orlando Public Library, 101 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Sunday, September 25th, 2022, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
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Event Name: City of Orlando’s Hispanic Heritage Month Community Celebration Event
Description: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 2 City Commissioner Tony Ortiz host the 16th edition of the City of Orlando’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Event. This free event gathers the community to celebrate the heritage, culture, and contributions of Hispanic residents with Latin food, music, and entertainment.
Location: Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando, FL 32805
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Thursday, September 29th, 2022, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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Event Name: 2022 Hispanic Heritage Art Exhibit
Description: Opening of the 2022 Hispanic Heritage Art Exhibit at the Orange County Admin Center by The Hispanic Network of Orange County, an Orange County Government employee volunteer-led organization. The exhibit will feature works from Central Florida artists and traditional dresses from several Hispanic countries.
Location: Orange County Admin, 201 S Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Friday, September 30th, 2022, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
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Event Name: Hispanic Heritage Night with the Orlando Magic
Description: They will present the 2022 Hispanic Youth Leadership Awards in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Proceeds from the Orlando Magic vs Cleveland Cavaliers game on Friday, October 14 will be donated to the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando, an organization dedicated to investing in the college education of Hispanic youth in Central Florida.
Location: Amway Center, 400 W Church St #200, Orlando, FL 32801
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Friday, October 14th, 2022, 7:00 PM
Details: Event tickets start at $19.72
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Event Name: Festival Calle Orange Downtown 2022
Description: Festival Calle Orange Downtown will be celebrating its 24th anniversary with people from all over the country coming to this one-day event. They will have 4 action-packed stages with over 40 artists, and take over 10 blocks of Downtown Orlando–the stages showcase the diversity of the Hispanic community. Also, they will have a vendor line selling a diversity of foods and products.
Location: Downtown Orlando, 425 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Date & Time: IN PERSON on Sunday, October 30th, 2022, 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM