By Mary Goldmeer
Mail | Independent Newsmedia

Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from Sept. 15 to Oct.15, is a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the diverse contributions and cultures of Hispanic Americans.

Through festivals, educational programs, culinary experiences and artistic expressions, the month highlights the significance of Hispanic heritage and its role in the cultural fabric of Arizona and across the United States.

Being Hispanic typically refers to individuals from, or with ancestry in, Spanish-speaking countries, primarily in Latin America and Spain. This term encompasses a range of identities and experiences shaped by language, cultural heritage and personal histories. It reflects a blend of traditions, customs and values influenced by Spanish colonial history and indigenous cultures.

Guylene Ozlanski, the Arts and Culture administrator with the City of Goodyear, is hosting a Ritmos y Raices event in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Ozlanski says getting together as a community improves resident’s quality of life and a small-town feel to the growing city.

“We have a diverse community and it’s really great to be in a space where who you are is represented,” Ozlanski said. “It’s not always about getting together for something new, its about celebrating what’s been here all along.”

Ritmos y Raices is an evening full of cultural performances of music and dance, products sold from Hispanic-owned vendors, a beer and cocktail garden and a flag garden showcasing the flags of each Hispanic country with educational information.

Arizona’s historical development is closely linked with Hispanic heritage due to its Spanish colonial history and native roots. Spanish explorers and settlers established missions and towns in the 17th and 18th centuries, which have shaped the state’s cultural landscape. The influence of Hispanic culture in Arizona is evident in Arizona’s language, art food and landscape with many places like Tucson or San Xavier, having linguistic Spanish origins.

Cameron Beck works with the City of Peoria Arts and Culture Department and is presenting Somos Peoria, the Valley’s largest Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.

“It gives us the opportunity to really highlight the Hispanic and Latino community that is such a significant and important part of the fabric of Peoria. It provides an opportunity for folks from all over the Valley to come and celebrate culture and traditions that shape our larger community,” Beck said.

Somos Peoria is presenting a diverse lineup up Latin music and dance performances, food and crafts from all Latin vendors.

Cultural festivals and events like the City of Goodyear and Peoria’s are common ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Communities across the valley are hosting festivals that showcase music, dance, art, and food from Hispanic and Latino cultures. These events feature ballet folklorico dance performances, and Lucha Libre matches, mariachi performances, local food and craft vendors and art exhibits by Hispanic artists.

Here’s how Arizonan’s are celebrating in festivals across the state:

• Community Pachanga Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
  5-7:30 p.m. Sept. 20
  140 E. Tonto St., Phoenix
• Ritmos y Raices
  6-9 p.m. Sept. 27
  1900 N. Civic Square, Goodyear
• Somos Peoria
  4-10:30 p.m. Sept. 28, 2024
  8401 W. Monroe St., Peoria
• ¡Viva!
  6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 3
  102 W. Vaughn Ave., Gilbert
• Mariachi and Folklórico Festival
  7 p.m. Oct. 5
  250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler
• Tempe Tardeada
  Noon-8 p.m. Oct. 6
  3500 S. Rural Road, Tempe