Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival returns with food, music, art and more
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at RiverScape MetroPark on Saturday for the 20th annual Hispanic Heritage Festival and Parade. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sept. 18, with the parade stepping off at noon.
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.
Entertainment for Saturday’s festival in Dayton includes Charlie Aponte (former lead singer for El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico), Christian Nieves & Herencia Musical, John Del Piano & El Combo, Daglio and Dayton Salsa Project.
The festival is organized by PACO, the Puerto Rican, American and Caribbean Organization. This group is organized exclusively to provide charitable services, promote awareness and educate the Dayton community and surrounding areas about the Hispanic culture. “PACO is dedicated to the success of the Hispanic Community,” said PACO Board President Karla Knox. “We are a non-profit organization established in January 1991. A staff of volunteers, seventy five percent of which are Hispanic, operates PACO. Our goals are to promote awareness and educate the Dayton community about the rich Hispanic culture. PACO promotes Hispanic arts and offers cultural events. In the future, we will provide assistance and referrals to the Hispanic community regarding housing, education, jobs, interpreters, banking services, and family service programs.”
