In September, the City of Chandler brings back “Chandler Contigo” — a month-long program of educational events and cultural activities for all ages that honor and celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

These programs will be held at various locations in Chandler with something for every age group to enjoy.

Chandler Contigo Kickoff

Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St.

Come enjoy strolling mariachis, family crafts and face painting. Take a tour of the cultures of the Americas with interactive presentations, then meet local Lucha Libre masked wrestlers and learn some moves.

Experience different forms of Latin dance from salsa to ballet folklórico.
Artists young and old can try out screen printing or register for a special art book workshop with Diana Calderon.

Explore local Latino voices and history through displays and a Chandler barrio storytelling presentation. Enjoy readings from local authors, and participate in fun family activities. Free admission.

24th Annual Chandler Mariachi and Folklórico Festival

Saturday, Oct. 7, 6 p.m., Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave.

This annual Chandler tradition creates a music and dance experience rich and vibrant in the history of México. This year’s event features the music of Alan Ponce, Deyra Barrera, Herencia Mexicana Arizona, the energetic ensemble of Mariachi Sonido de México, and the passionate and charismatic all-female group Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas.

These mariachi groups will be accompanied by folklórico dancers from Ballet Folklórico Quetzalli-AZ.

Tickets may be purchased through chandlercenter.org.

Contigo Movie Night: “Stand and Deliver”

Sunday, Oct. 8, 3 p.m. Red Carpet event; also 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. movie screenings, LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Chandler, 1 W. Chandler Blvd.

Join the Chandler community in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and the 35th anniversary of the iconic Latino film, “Stand and Deliver.”

Walk the red carpet and enjoy an exclusive movie screening followed by a panel of Latino film industry experts, cast and crew.

Confirmed participants include Patrick Baca, writer and producer Tom Musca and actors Daniel Villarreal, Ingrid Oliu and Will Gotay.

Tickets are $10 each and may be purchased online.

Hasta La Muerte: A Day of the Dead Musical Experience

Friday, Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m., Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave.

Celebrate life and death with this Día de los Muertos musical production created by Angeleno band Las Cafeteras. Travel to the past with traditional folk songs, an on-stage altar and songs of memory to honor the ancestors who have come before. Then move forward with modern music that celebrates life now and life after death.

Throughout the production, mesmerizing folklórico dance and colorful sets accentuate the distinct vibrant sound that is Las Cafeteras. Tickets may be purchased through chandlercenter.org.

Creations from Within, Vol. 2

Exhibit, viewable Aug. 12 through Oct. 21, The Gallery at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave.

Taking inspiration from the solo albums of hip-hop artists, Edgar Fernandez uses Creations from Within, Vol. 2 as an opportunity to showcase his commitment to his craft and display 10 years of artistic growth since his first solo exhibition in 2013.

Fernandez invited a group of artists with diverse talents to collaborate on the exhibited pieces, adding new perspectives and context to his artworks.
The Gallery at the CCA is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Admission to the gallery is free.

Exhibit, Aug. 15 through Oct. 15, Chandler Musuem, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive.

This community-focused exhibition presents the oral histories of long-term Hispanic/Latino residents in Chandler’s historic barrios alongside recent migrant communities. Querencia refers to and explores the process in which community creates a sense of place and belonging.

A variety of voices share experiences from the city’s founding days to its current growth and development.

Residents speak about struggle and segregation but also love for their neighborhood — founded on community and connection.

Querencia is presented in collaboration with Dr. Rafael Martínez, Assistant Professor in Southwest Borderlands at Arizona State University.

The Chandler Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 1 p.m. through 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free.

Aliento a Tequila

Exhibit, Sept. 1 through Oct. 22, Chandler Musuem, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive.

Aliento a Tequila (or The Spirit of Tequila) explores and celebrates the landscape, culture, and traditions that gave birth to tequila, Mexico’s mestizo national drink.

This series of photographs by Joel Salcido includes the original distilleries that literally founded the industry, as well as several artisanal tequilas committed to the ancestral ways of tequila-making, from harvest to bottle.

The Chandler Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 1 p.m. through 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free.

Library programs

In addition to the Chandler Contigo Kickoff, all four branches of the Chandler Public Library (CPL) will host a variety of free programs and events to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Registration is required for some programs.

There are multiple Baby Time, Preschool Time, Family Time and Bilingual Storytime events at different CPL branches. These programs include special stories and songs connected to Latino culture as part of the Chandler Contigo celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

For more information, or to register online, visit Chandler Contigo or Chandler Public Library online.

The four CPL branches are:
Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive
Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St.
Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave.
Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Road.

Stories @ the Market

Saturday, Oct. 7, 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Chandler Farmers Market, Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West, 3 S. Arizona Ave.

Enjoy a special bilingual “Stories at the Market” featuring stories, songs and more.

StoryWalk

Take a walk, read a book and have an adventure.

As part of the Chandler Contigo celebration, your family can enjoy the outdoors and explore three different StoryWalk displays. Bring the kids to the park any day of the week during park hours to explore a picture book display that will bring together the joy of reading, the importance of reading together, and the benefits of outdoor, physical activity. See the Contigo page of chandleraz.gov for times, dates and locations.

For more information about Chandler Contigo (including updated times for events at Chandler Public Library, visit Chandler Contigo, or residents also may contact Beth Banda with the City’s DEI Division at 480-782-2224 for questions.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org