Hispanic Heritage Month runs Sept. 15-Oct. 15 and recognizes the colorful history, cultures, and traditions of Latino people throughout the world. In Southwestern Indiana, Vanderburgh County has a Latino population of 3 percent, with surrounding counties seeing 1.3-8.7 percent of their population identifying as Latino, according to a population profile by Welborn Baptist Foundation’s GROW database.
The area’s Latino community continues to grow, resulting in expanded services such as the Latino Advisory Board, groups like HOLA and Fiesta Evansville, and an influx of new Latino restaurants. This Hispanic Heritage Month, don’t sit on the sidelines. Here are a few ways to celebrate.
Noche Mexicana and Kermes Latina
5-9 p.m. Sept. 14, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1301 S. Green River Road
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 15, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1301 S. Green River Road
On the first night, celebrate Mexican culture with traditional cuisine like pozole, tamales, tacos, and more. For the second night, dig into Colombian, Salvadorian, Honduran, Peruvian, Puerto Rican, and Venezuelan cuisine and enjoy a raffle, games, and more activities. DJ Pana will mix tunes for traditional dancing on both nights.
New Traditions Diversity Series
2 p.m. Sept. 29, Haynie’s Corner Wiffleball Field, corner of Adams Ave. and Second St.
The Eykamp String Quartet (Jack Bogard, Michael Chu, Mark Hatlestad, and Graham Cullen) performs a one-hour outdoor performance “Strings Without Borders: A Fusion of Latin American and World Composers.” It includes the works of underrepresented composers like Gregorio Goncalves, Enrique Granados, Paul Wiancko, Heitor Villa-Lobos, and more. Bring a lawn chair and blankets to listen to this special Hispanic Heritage Month performance.
Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library Programming
EVPL, in collaboration with Centro Latino + Americano, hosts a pinata contest at its Central branch throughout Hispanic Heritage Month. Library visitors to EVPL Red Bank can make Guatemalan worry dolls (a brightly knit toy traditionally given to comfort children) from 4-5 p.m. Sept. 16 and play Loteria, a Mexican game similar to bingo, 6-7 p.m. Sept. 19, or 5-6 p.m. Oct. 2 at EVPL West. EVPL Red Bank hosts an all-day Día de los Muertos-themed Sticker by Number on Oct. 10, where guests help to complete an image with 2,300 stickers. A Frida Kahlo-esque self-portrait painting class will be hosted at EVPL Oaklyn from 6-7 p.m. Sept. 24. EVPL West’s Día de Los Muertos event is 2-6 p.m. Nov. 2 with food, dancing, crafts, and more.
Dancing Through Memory Lane
10-11:30 a.m. Oct. 12, C.K. Newsome Community Center, 100 E. Walnut St.
This Zumba class for Hispanic Heritage Month, in honor and memory of Cony Tenerio, led by Dona Counts and other caregivers will honor those impacted by Alzheimer’s and help create a positive environment for caregivers, families, and community members. A suggested donation of $20 goes to support the Alzheimer’s Association.
Fiesta Evansville
11 a.m. -6 p.m. Oct. 13, Wesselman Park, 551 N. Boeke Road
The region’s largest Latino festival celebrates 10 years of growth with performances and live entertainment, cultural exhibits, international food booths, and parades.
Dia de los Muertos Dance Party
9 p.m.- a.m. Nov. 1-2, Main Street Wedding and Event Venue, 315 N. Main St.
DJ Pana will spin the tunes while you dance, eat, and drink the night away. There also will be tequila and margarita tasting and a beginner salsa and bachata lesson, plus makeup artists will be on hand to create a festive look. Tickets cost $10 in advance online and $15 at the door. Ages 18-20 pay $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
2024 Día de los Muertos Celebration
4-7 p.m. Nov. 2, Central Park, 101 S. Main St., Henderson, Kentucky
Remember the lives of those who have passed away and honor their legacies through music, dancing, crafts, food, and a parade at this annual event.
