National Hispanic Heritage Month is annually celebrated from September 15 to October 15 to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
Hispanic culture, tradition and legacy are woven into the fabric of South Texas and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), Del Mar College and various local organizations are hosting a diverse set of programs to celebrate and educate. The public is invited to attend lectures, art exhibitions, cooking demonstrations, concerts and more all month long in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in Corpus Christi.
“Nuestras Raíces” Hispanic Heritage Day
Where: Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History | When: Sept. 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
There is plenty of fun to be had at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History’s Hispanic Heritage Month event! It’s a celebration of the city’s roots in Hispanic culture, complete with interactive exhibits, a community ofrenda and even traditional loteria.
Tamalada Festival
Where: University Boulevard & Memorial Student Union (MSUB) Courtyard | When: Sept. 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Texas A&M University-Kingsville will host the Tamalada Festival to share food and traditions with the Coastal Bend. Enjoy tamale tastings and preparation, entertainment, educational speakers, arts and crafts and more.
DIY Tortilla Making
Where: Islander Dining Hall (Shore Room) | When: Oct. 3, 5 -6 p.m.
Ready to roll up your sleeves and make some delicious tortillas from scratch? TAMU-CC will provide all the necessary ingredients and tools, along with step-by-step guidance to help you create fresh, homemade tortillas.
Bailando Dance Festival 25th Anniversary
Where: Performing Arts Center and other locations around TAMU-CC’s campus | When: Oct. 3-5, Various times throughout the weekend
For over 20 years, the Bailando International Dance Festival has spotlighted artistic excellence in the Coastal Bend dance community. The festival’s vision is to cultivate a vibrant dance community that fosters cultural exchange and artistic growth. This year’s festival offers a diverse and exciting lineup in celebration of Bailando’s 25th anniversary. Audiences can expect world-class performances from renowned companies like Compañía Cámara Danza UNA from Costa Rica and Ad Deum Dance Company from Houston, as well as local favorites. With a rich tapestry of cultures represented, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience.
VOCES: American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos | Episode 3
Where: Performing Arts Center | When: Oct. 8, 7-8:30 p.m.
John Leguizamo delves into both well-known and lesser-known stories of Latino history and contributions, spanning thousands of years from the Ancient Empires to the early 1970s. Co-created by Leguizamo and award-winning filmmaker Ben Dejesus, American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos is presented by Latino Public Broadcasting and Thirteen WNET New York.
Larry and Joe Performance
Where: TAMUCC Performing Arts Center | When: Oct. 9, 7:30-9 p.m.
Larry and Joe are a singer-songwriting duo who perform a fusion of Venezuelan and Appalachian folk music, furthering their mission “to show that music has no borders.” Larry Bellorín grew up in Punta de Mata in Monagas, Venezuela. Joe Troop is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The founder of Grammy-nominated string band Che Apalache, Joe’s music is deeply inspired by his decade living in Buenos Aires and traveling throughout Latin America.
“De Generación en Generación: Three Generations of South Texas Chicano Artists” Art Panel
Where: Del Mar College’s Center for Mexican American Studies Room 133 (Herritage Campus) | When: Oct. 9, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
The panel discussion features guest speakers Carey Rote with TAMU-CC, Liz Kim with Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Gina Palacios with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Mariachi Corpus Christi
Where: IBC Bank | When: Oct. 12, 6 -10 p.m.
Join IBC Bank for an evening of performances by award-winning mariachi groups, a vibrant mercado and delicious bites from local food trucks. The event serves as a celebration of rich cultural heritage and a testament to the power of unity through music and art and is free for the public to attend.
Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra’s Music of Selena
Where: American Bank Center – Selena Auditorium | When: Oct. 12, 7:30-9 p.m.
The Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra will host The Music of Selena presented by Port of Corpus Christi with additional support from the city of Corpus Christi, Tres Grace Foundation, Puente de Maravillas, John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation and PNC Bank. Featuring award-winning and Grammy-nominated singer Isabel Marie Sánchez and a 60-piece orchestra conducted by Jose Flores, the night pays tribute to the music of Selena. Tickets cost between $39 and $64 and are available online.
Mexican Flower Making Workshop
Where: Del Mar College’s Languages Lab Room 108 (Herritage Campus) | When: Oct. 15, 10-11 a.m.
The Del Mar College staff will demonstrate the art of creating papel picado, the brightly colored decorative paper craft that involves cutting intricate designs into sheets of tissue paper. This event is family-friendly and free to attend.
