By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

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.

Cultural festivals and events like the City of Goodyear’s Ritmos y Raices Sept. 27 are common ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Goodyear’s event featured ballet folklorico dance performances, crafts, mariachi performances, local food and craft vendors and art exhibits celebrating Hispanic artists.

Guylene Ozlanski, the Arts and Culture administrator with the City of Goodyear, took the lead in preparing the 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 brought 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.

Part of the parking in the city center was blocked off, with several food trucks and street vendors selling everything from frybread and chuurros to street tacos and hot dogs.

Adriana Quintero was there selling beaded jewelry, representing her artists group Maxica Colectivo. Maxica Colectivo is a group of over 50 Wixarika and contemporary artists dedicated to creating works inspired by nature, reflecting the heritage of the Wixarika people. The Wixarika, indigenous to the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico and parts of the United States, have a connection to the elements of nature. Maxica Colectivo showcases traditional and contemporary beadwork crafted by Indigenous artists, fostering partnerships that support families and cultural practices Quintero said.

“It’s a big event celebrating Mexican and Hispanic culture, and I am Mexican,” Quintero said. “To me, this is all very exciting. It is worth celebrating.”

The night’s entertainment started with a DJ at 5 p.m. who went on to announce live musicians and dancers. Mariachi Estrella de Cobre was the first band, playing patriotic music and drawing a crowd with familiar favorites like “¡Viva México, Viva América!” They were followed by three other performances that kept the audience engaged until the event ended at 9 p.m.