Released: September 15, 2023
Annual month-long celebration begins September 15
Delaware County Council is excited to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15. Each year, Americans observe this month by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
This year, the County is collaborating with the Center for Hispanic Resources (El Centro), Centro de Apoyo Comunitario, the Philadelphia Union, and the County’s Library system to host several Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations and will be participating in various community events, festivals, and parades to honor and celebrate the diverse contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community.
Through these partnerships and initiatives, the County is actively working to raise awareness, foster inclusivity, and strengthen the bonds of unity within our community.
“Delaware County Council takes pride in acknowledging National Hispanic Heritage Month and illuminating the contributions of residents hailing from the myriad nations that cherish their Hispanic heritage,” said Delaware County Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer. “The multitude of upcoming celebrations across our county serves as a testament to the enduring impact of Hispanic and Latinx individuals within our community.”
By promoting and participating in Hispanic Heritage Month activities, we foster inclusivity, deepen our understanding of one another, and strengthen the bonds of unity in our diverse society. Let's embrace this opportunity to learn, appreciate, and celebrate together.
“We have an opportunity to not only celebrate the rich history, contributions, and traditions of Hispanic and Latinx individuals but also reaffirm our commitment to creating a more equitable County,” said Lauren Footman, Delaware County’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. “We look forward to supporting local businesses, as we host events for our community and colleagues, to learn about institutions right here in our region.”
The Philadelphia Union, the County of Delaware, and The Foundation for Delaware County will be hosting an Hispanic Heritage Festival — Fiesta Hispana — on Saturday, September 23, at Subaru Park in Chester prior to the Union’s 7:30 p.m. game versus Los Angeles FC. Residents are welcome to enjoy this lively festival, starting at 5:30 p.m., featuring food, music, and fun family activities.
Tickets are not required to attend the festival but are required to attend the game. Ticket information is available on the Union website at www.philadelphiaunion.com/tickets.
The County and the Philadelphia Union will also team up to host a Union Player Meet & Greet at The Center for Hispanic Resources (El Centro), located at 1350 W. 9th Street (Ruth Bennett Learning Center), in Chester on Monday, October 9, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Fans will have the opportunity to meet, get pictures, and participate in a casual Q & A with a TBD member of the Union soccer team for an hour, then enjoy a resource fair with refreshments from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Delaware County Libraries is also celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month with this month’s StoryWalk selection: Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle, which tells the story of a young Cuban girl in the 1930s as she strives to become a drummer, despite being continually reminded that only boys play the drums, and that there's never been a female drummer in Cuba.
StoryWalk is a free, fun, and interactive way for children to learn about the rich Hispanic culture. Located in the upper field behind the amphitheater stage, StoryWalk® is a children's story book (geared for children between the ages of 1-7) that is spread out page by page across 18 reading stations along an approximately quarter-mile trail, promoting promotes health and literacy in children.
The observation of Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting each year on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, with the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day, or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30-day period.