Thursday marked the beginning of Latino Heritage Month, which seeks to recognize the history, culture and contributions of Latinos in the US. The month-long celebration lasts until October 15.
From festivals to parades, there are several ways to celebrate Latino Heritage Month across Iowa. Check out the list below to find an event near you.
Celebrando Siouxland Festival
DATE — September 17, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m
LOCATION – Jeffrey Dible Soccer Complex, 1280 Riverview Dr. South Sioux City, Nebraska
CIRCLE — The Celebrando Siouxland Festival is a three-day event that began on September 15th, the first day of Latino Heritage Month, with the bulk of its festivities taking place on September 17th. Organized by Sioux City-based Unity in Action, the event kicks off Saturday with a parade at 11 a.m. A festival will follow from noon to 10 p.m
For more information, visit the Unity In Action website at www.unitedinactionne.org.
More:This Iowa meatpacking town didn’t always welcome immigrants. Then the high school started a mariachi band.
¡Fiesta! Orange City
DATE – September 17, 18:00 to 20:00
LOCATION – Orange City Public Library, 112 Albany Ave. SE, Orange City
CIRCLE – The Orange City Public Library is hosting a two-hour event complete with food and games to celebrate Latino Heritage Month. Registration is not required.
Garden Festival at Central Gardens
DATE – September 18, 14:00 to 17:00
LOCATION – Central Gardens of North Iowa, 800 2nd Ave. N., Clear Lake
CIRCLE – Garden festival goers won’t want to miss a Tree of Life Mexican folk art exhibit, which will be on display inside the Central Gardens’ Nature Education Pavilion. The event will also feature food from various vendors, a salsa recipe contest and a live performance by Mariachi de Colores.
For more information, visit the Central Gardens website at www.clearlakeiowa.com.
Cedar Rapids Latino Festival
DATE – September 18, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
LOCATION – McGrath Amphitheater, 475 First Street SW, Cedar Rapids
CIRCLE – Those in the mood for Latin American music and cultural dance performances may want to check out the 11th annual Cedar Rapids Latino Festival. Cumbia band La Sonara Dinamita will headline the free family event, followed by a performance by folk dance troupe Ballet Folklórico Quetzalcoatl. Activities and food will be available.
Visit www.creventslive.com for more information.
More:What is Hispanic Heritage Month? Latinos and Latino culture can be celebrated year-round
Mexican Independence Day Parade and Celebration – Fourth Cities
DATE – September 18, from 9:30 p.m
LOCATION – Runners Park, 742 15th Ave., East Moline, Illinois
CIRCLE – The 13th annual Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival will return to Runners Park in East Moline. Organized by the United Council of Latin American Citizens #5285, the event kicks off with a parade at noon followed by a party filled with live music in the park’s parking lot.
More information is listed on the council’s website at www.lulacmoline.org.
Iowa Latino Heritage Festival
DATE – September 24, from 10:00 to 23:00 and September 25, from 10:00 to 18:00
LOCATION – Western Gateway Park, 1205 Locust St., Des Moines
CIRCLE – Iowa Latino Heritage Festival 2022: A Taste of Latin America is a two-day festival featuring a variety of live music and cultural dance performances by local and traveling acts such as the Quad Cities Ballet Folklórico and Estrellas de Jalisco from Sioux City. Nebraska.
For the full lineup, visit www.latinoheritagefestival.org.
More:Hispanic Heritage Month highlights the culture, achievements of the community. But is it comprehensive enough?
Clive Latino Festival
DATE – September 29, from 18:00 to 20:00
LOCATION – Linnan Park, 8500 Alice Ave., Clive
CIRCLE – The Clive Public Library and the Clive Historical Society have teamed up to host the Clive Latino Festival in Linnan Park. The event includes food, arts and crafts, dancing and sports activities. Pro Iowa will be giving away free soccer balls to the first 150 kids.
Visit www.cityofclive.com for more information.
Dubuque Latinx Fiesta
DATE – October 1, 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
LOCATION – Smokestack, 62 E 7th St., Dubuque
CIRCLE – The Dubuque Latinx Fiesta is a two-part event featuring food, music, dancers and community resources. Everyone is welcome to attend the first part of the event, which runs from 3 to 8 p.m. The second half of the evening – which turns into Latin Night at the Smokestack – is for ages 21 and over only.
More:Meet the six inductees for the 2022 class of the Iowa Latino Hall of Fame
Iowa Latino Hall of Fame Induction and Reception Ceremony
DATE – October 15, from 18:00 to 20:00
LOCATION – Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines
CIRCLE – The Iowa Commission on Latino Affairs will induct six people into the Latino Hall of Fame. For those unable to attend the event in person, the ceremony will be streamed live through the commission’s Facebook page.
Latino Voices Together Gala
DATE – October 22 from 17:00 to 19:00
LOCATION – The Glass Box, 220 SE Sixth St., Des Moines
CIRCLE – The second annual Latino Voices Together Gala, a social gathering hosted by the Latino Political Network, will be held at The Glass Box. This year’s guest speaker is Marco Davis, president and CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Institute. Ticket prices range from $30 to $250, but admission is free for college students.
For more details, visit the Latino Political Network at lpniowa.com.
Iowa Inaugural Latino Gala
DATE – October 27, 17:30 to 21:00
LOCATION – Des Moines Heritage Center, 120 E. Fifth St., Des Moines
CIRCLE – The Coalition of Latino Service Providers, the Hola Center and the Iowa Commission on Latino Affairs will host their first Iowa Latino Gala. The event is twofold: it’s a fundraiser to help support the Hola Center, a Des Moines nonprofit serving Latinos, and a celebration of Latino cultures and communities. Ticket prices range from $75 to $1,200.
For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Human Rights Office of Latino Affairs at https://humanrights.iowa.gov/cas/la.
F. Amanda Tugade covers social justice issues for the Des Moines Register. Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @writefelissa.
