Sept. 15 marked the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. Celebrations have already begun in Rhode Island, and The Herald has compiled a list of upcoming events that highlight art, music, history and more from the Ocean State’s diverse Latinx community.
Sept. 28, Oct. 5, Oct. 12: Latin American Arts & Crafts. The Community Libraries of Providence are hosting a series of events for participants to create pieces inspired by “Latin American and Spanish art and craft traditions,” according to the event’s description. The events will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Olneyville Library Children’s Area on Sept. 28, Oct. 5 and Oct. 12 and are free to attend.
Oct. 2: Fireside Chat with Dr. Laura Lopez-Sanders. As part of the Watson Institute’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the institute is hosting a fireside chat with Dr. Laura Lopez-Sanders, associate professor of sociology. Topics of discussion include Lopez-Sanders’ research in public policy, immigration, inequality and more, along with her journey as a scholar. The event will take place in the Joukowsky Forum in the Watson Institute’s old building from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and is free to attend.
Oct. 6: Progreso Latino's 46th Anniversary Gala. Celebrate the 46th anniversary of Progreso Latino — an organization that works to support Rhode Island’s Latino and immigrant communities through over a dozen programs and services — at the “Festival of Hats.” Attendees are encouraged to wear a hat representing their culture or “a creation of their own.” The gala will begin at 6 p.m. at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston, and tickets can be purchased online.
Oct. 7: Let’s Play Mexican Lotería! | ¡Vamos a Jugar Lotería Mexicana!. Families are welcome to join the Pawtucket Public Library for a morning of Lotería, a traditional Mexican bingo game. Win prizes at this free event open to all.
Oct. 13: Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at the State House. Join Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa for a celebration featuring food, live music and cultural performances. The event will take place at the State House starting at 6 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Oct. 18: 8th Annual University of Rhode Island Guitar Festival. “Costa Rica Meets Greece” is the first concert of this year’s URI Guitar Festival and will feature Adrián Montero, Jeisson Ramirez Salas and Filippos Manoloudis. Montero and Manoloudis have won several prizes in international competitions, and Ramirez won first prize at the 2022 Concurso Nacional de Guitarra de Costa Rica. The concert will start at 7:30 p.m. at the Courthouse Center for the Performing Arts in West Kingston and tickets can be purchased online.
Oct. 21: Rhode Island's 45th Annual Heritage Festival. In late October, the WaterFire Arts Center will host a celebration of culture, music and dancing from across the world. This year’s festival will feature a parade of international flags, a variety of performances, cultural and art exhibits, craft demonstrations and a multicultural fashion show. The event will take place from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free to all attendees.
Rhea Rasquinha is a Metro Section Editor covering Development and Infrastructure and also serves as Co-Chief of Illustrations. She previously covered the College Hill, Fox Point & the Jewelry District and Brown & Beyond beats. Rhea is a junior from New York studying Biomedical Engineering and loves dark chocolate and penguins.
