Best Ways To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month In DFW

(Courtesy of Latino Cultural Center)

According to the Greater Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Dallas, 20.7 percent of all businesses in Texas are Hispanic-owned and increasing at more than twice the national average. North Texas is filled with culture. The DFW area, in particular, is well known for Latino contributions to growth and development of the United States. Here is a list of events to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

(Courtesy of the Dallas Jewish Historical Society)

"Uptown's Pike Park: Little Jerusalem to Little Mexico, 100 Years of Settlement"Date: Now through Oct. 18, 2014

The Latino Cultural Center celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with several exhibits. First, "Uptown's Pike Park: Little Jerusalem to Little Mexico, 100 Years of Settlement" is a collaborated exhibit between the Latino Cultural Center, the Dallas Jewish Historical Society and the Dallas Mexican American Historical League. Pike Park served immigrants from France, Germany, Switzerland and later Mexico in the 1900s. This free exhibit, with photographs that have never been seen before, showcases the multi-cultural influences that developed Dallas.

The second Latino Cultural Center event is a partnership with the Dallas Consulate General of Peru and the New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving. Associate Professor of Music at the University of Texas at Arlington Dr. Sergio Espinosa will lead the orchestra in a concert honoring five traditional pieces of Peruvian music and featuring soloist Jesus Saenz.

As part of the Latino Cultural Center's Second Saturday series that features a variety of activities, including hands-on sculpture, drawing, pottery, oil and acrylic painting and dancing classes, there is a special performance by Le Theatre de Marionette. Marionettes perform an entertaining show to musical numbers in a Halloween-themed talent show that is perfect for little ones.  Second Saturday is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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In its 28th year, the Bath House Cultural Center is presenting an art exhibition entitled "Día de los Muertos: the Eternal Melody." This colorful exhibition features contemporary and traditional works from 60 local and regional artists. The exhibit honors ideas, people and things that have "passed on." Music is the newest addition to this the Day of the Dead theme. The exhibit runs from October 11 through November 15. The artist reception and the exhibit are free and open to the public.

The DFW Hispanic Heritage Ambassadors presents a day of fun, food, education, health and a job fair in the spirit of celebration.  Grand Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen will present a Proclamation at 10 a.m. commemorating Hispanic Heritage. Art exhibits, stories of folklore, Mariachi music and expressive dance round out the free festival.

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