Top Ways To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month In St. Louis
Ethical Society of St. Louis
9001 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
(314) 991-0955
www.ethicalstl.org
Date: Sept. 19, 2014
Maestro Soler has been a musical prodigy since the age of six when he began studying music. At age 11, he discovered the guitar and at that time received the "Conservatorio Superior de Música" of Barcelona, Spain's highest honor. His post-graduate studies with Andres' Segovia and Narciso Yepes have led to concerts all around the world and now this world's most notable guitar artist will be performing in St. Louis in a great celebration of Hispanic music. On Friday, September 19, the Ethical Society is host to the Maestro, with a starting time of 7:30 p.m. It's a great way to kick of a festival of Hispanic Heritage.
Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival
7th and Lafayette Street Next To Soulard Market
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 837-6100
www.hispanicfestivalstl.com
Date: Sept. 26-28, 2014
You may just want to clear your calendar on September 26, 27 and 28, 2014. Why? Well, the Soulard area transforms itself into a fabulous festival, which celebrates every aspect of the rich Hispanic culture. Take the family or make a date with your favorite señor or señorita because the festival promises a great time to be had by all. The margaritas and beer will be flowing along with ample opportunities for you to sample authentic cuisine. But that's not all. Spend the weekend enjoying Latino music performances and folklore dance. Explore the crafts or take the kids to the petting zoo and children's pavilion. Say hello to Dora the Explorer and Diego. Don't miss the opening ceremony on Friday with Mayor Slay and County Executive Charlie Dooley. The parade of Hispanic Nations always proves to be spectacular. Come for one day or all three, but don't miss this one. Admission to the festival is free.
Chava's Mexican Restaurant
925 Geyer Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 241-5503
www.chavasmexican.com
While you're in Soulard for the Hispanic Festival, why not stop in for the best Mexican food you will ever eat? Chris Ybarra's Chava's has been satisfying Mexican food lovers since 2006, in the previous Mike and Min's location. In case you miss festival weekend, enjoy Chava's anytime during the week, in Soulard or in Edwardsville, Illinois. Though famous for its tilapia filet fish tacos, tacos are really just the tip of the iceberg when diving into this menu. Start off with some baked Jenas or a plate of nachos and move to a great entrée of salads, burritos, combination plates, and then finish off with a fabulous dessert of fried cheesecake. Don't forget that happy hour runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with $1 off all beers and $2 off House Gold and frozen/flavored margaritas. So, whether you are stopping in during the festival, looking for a great place for dinner or lunch, or just a wonderful happy hour destination, Chava's is a great place to soak up some Hispanic flavor during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Related: Top Latin Dance Clubs In St. Louis
Zfit Studio
300 Biltmore Drive, Suite 340
Fenton, MO 63026
(636) 336-6648
www.zfitstudio.com
After enjoying all of that rich Hispanic dining and drinking, you may just want to work off a few of those calories by taking in some Zumba. Zumba is an aerobic dance workout that has become a very popular fitness choice by millions of Americans over the past few years. The samba, salsa, mambo and merengue music, which accompanies the workouts, is a great motivator to keep moving and work those problem areas, all while having fun. Zfit offers Zumba workouts every day of the week. You can purchase individual classes online for $9, or sign up for memberships or punch card packages starting at $17.50. Who knew workouts could be so affordable and so much fun?
Lisa Payne-Naeger, a native of the St. Louis area, is a freelance writer, blogger, political activist and a homeschooling mother of two children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
