Best Ways To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month In Seattle

The Daily Meal Staff|Sept. 29, 2014 7:00 am EST

Unlike other yearly events, Hispanic Heritage Month begins in the middle of September and ends during the middle of October, giving plenty of wiggle room to expand events before and after the official September 15 and October 15 date range. Beginning in 1968, the event begins on the anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua) as well as Mexico, Chile and Belize. Given Seattle's large Hispanic population, there is much to celebrate. However, you don't need to be Hispanic to appreciate the culture. To celebrate this month, enjoy an authentic meal out or learn how to make one at home, explore the arts and more.

Seattle Latin Film Festival – Chile
Venues throughout Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma
(206) 669-3161
www.slff.org

Date: Oct. 3-12, 2014

The 6th Annual Seattle Latino Film Festival (SLFF) celebrates Latin American culture through the power of movies from October 3-12, 2014 with about 30 film showings in Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma. The goal of SLFF is to bring audiences and filmmakers together to discuss history and enjoy the power of filmmaking. This year's theme is Chile and will focus on contemporary Chilean cinema and English subtitles will be available for every film.

El Centro de la Raza
2524 16th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98144
(206) 957-4649
www.brownpapertickets.com

El Centro de la Raza, known as "The Center for People of All Races," offers a variety of traditional cooking classes including tortilla making and pinto beans, pork tamales, vegetarian tamales, salsa and pozole, which has its roots all the way back to Aztec culture. You'll learn how to prepare authentic dishes, learn more about the culture, meet new friends and help fund the center's Senior Nutrition & Wellness Program. Various classes are offered monthly.

El Cazador
32195 State Route 20
Oak Harbor, WA 98277
(360) 675-6114
www.el-cazador.com

You will have to go out of your way to experience some of the best Mexican food in the Northwest. El Cazador was the winner of the 2013's Evening Magazine's "Best of Western Washington Award" for "Best Mexican Restaurant" and is nominated again for the TV show's 2014 edition. In addition, the restaurant has won other awards including "The Best of Whidbey." Opened since 1982, it is the oldest Mexican restaurant on Whidbey Island.

Salsa Con Todo
SCT Studio
750 N. 34th St.
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 402-2945
www.salsacontodo.com

Not surprisingly, the most popular dance class offered at Salsa Con Todo is is salsa. The next round of six-week classes begins Wednesday, October 15. This beginner's class will teach you all of the basics and fundamentals of salsa in an environment that will inspire, not intimidate you. If this still sounds too intense for you, then consider trying one of the "Drop In" classes held every Friday at 8 p.m. for just $10.

9th Annual ALPFA Seattle Gala
Hyatt Regency Hotel
900 Bellevue Way N.E.
Bellevue, WA 98004
www.seattlealpfa.org

Date: Oct. 4, 2014

The Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA) will hold their 9th Annual Gala Event, a black tie formal, on Saturday, October 4 at 6 p.m. This year's celebration includes a Latino-themed dinner and entertainment, recognition awards for local Latino business and community leaders and offers a great place to network. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Jeffrey Totey is a freelance writer living in Seattle. He has a love for the arts and is a student of pop culture. He covers stories about the performing arts, theater, museums, cultural events, movies and more in the greater Seattle area. His work can be found at Examiner.com.