Hispanic Heritage Month 2023

September 15 is the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, and also marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America (National Hispanic Heritage Month). The library is excited to celebrate and explore the history, culture, and contributions of the Latino community, and we hope you’ll join us for a month full of music, art, games, film, book discussions, displays, and more. Read on for details about participating in this month’s festivities!

PROGRAMS

Familia Fiesta: Kadencia
- Saturday, September 23, 11-11:45AM, Libbie Mill Library
- Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the music of Kadencia. This local ensemble will perform bomba and plena in traditional percussive form, utilizing long-rooted storytelling traditions to vividly convey the Puerto Rican experience. Sponsored by the Friends of Henrico County Public Library.

Familia Fiesta: Crafts
- Saturday, September 23, 12-1:30PM, Libbie Mill Library
- Drop in and try crafts inspired by Central and South American folk arts. All instruction and materials will be provided.

Familia Fiesta: Traditional Music with Kadencia
- Saturday, September 23, 2-3PM, Libbie Mill Library
- Join musicians from local music ensemble Kadencia for a lecture and musical demonstration based upon the Puerto Rican musical forms of bomba and plena, including music history, instrumentation, and rhythms. Sponsored by the Friends of Henrico County Public Library.

Teen Art Studio: Latinx Art
- Tuesday, September 26, 6-8PM, Varina Area Library
- Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with some fun, hands-on cultural activities! We’ll discuss different styles of art from Latin cultures and do a variety of art projects. All artistic skill levels are welcome!

Lotería
- Tuesday, September 26, 6:30-7:30PM, Glen Allen Library
- Lotería is a Mexican game similar to Bingo that is fun, fast, and easy to play. Bring the whole family to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and practice your Spanish skills to win prizes!

Underground Railroad to Mexico
- Saturday, October 14, 2-3PM, Twin Hickory Library
- You might be surprised to know that the Underground Railroad ran not only to the north, but south to Mexico as well. After slavery was abolished in Mexico in 1829, thousands of enslaved people escaped there from Texas, Alabama, and other nearby southern states. Please join us for a discussion of this little-known history with Anita Nadal, assistant professor of Spanish at the VCU School of World Studies.

FILMS

Hispanic Heritage Month Film Festival
- Twin Hickory Library
  - Wednesday, September 20, 6:30PM: Frida (2002, R, 118 min.)
  - Wednesday, September 27, 5PM, Like Water for Chocolate (1992, R, 114 min.)
  - Friday, September 29, 11:30AM, Coco (2017, PG, 109 min.)
  - Wednesday, October 4, 6:30PM, Bless Me, Ultima (2013, PG-13, 102 min.)
  - Wednesday, October 11, 6:30PM, Motorcycle Diaries (2004, R, 127 min.)
  - Thursday, October 12, 6:30PM, Spare Parts (2015, PG-13, 88 min.)