National Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration
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. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communites beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.
Hispanic Heritage Month provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact Latinas and Latinos have had on the United States for generations. The Latino presence in America spans centuries, predating Spain’s colonization of what is now part of the United States, and they have been an integral part of shaping our nation since the Revolutionary War. Through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Treaty of Paris that followed the Mexican-American and Spanish-American wars, the United States gained territories in the Southwest and Puerto Rico. This incorporated the people of this area into the United States and further expanded the presence of Hispanic Americans.
Today, the Latino population in the United States today is over 60 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes up 18.9% of the total population and is the largest racial or ethnic group. Latinos continue to help fuel our economy and enrich our nation as entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, entertainers, scientists, public servants, and much more.
Source: https://latino.si.edu/hispanic-heritage-month
Celebrate our Local Leaders
We would like to recognize and honor our local Hispanic city and state representatives for their dedication and hard work. They share a Hispanic heritage and have their own immigrant success stories as first or second generation Hispanic Americans. We encourage you to learn more about them and their dedication to Stamford.
Anabel Figueroa, City Representative and CT State Representative:
Anabel is an immigrant success story. She was born in El Salvador and taught elementary school. Since 1983, Anabel has made Stamford her home. As a city representative, she has served the community for over 20 years, building a life in the city where she has been dedicated to serving. She lives in Stamford with her husband and two children and is currently serving as a CT State Representative for District 148 and City Representative for District 8.
Jeffrey Stella, City of Stamford Representative for District 9:
Jeffrey Stella has spent more than half his life dedicated in serving his communities. He served as an NYPD officer for nearly 25 years. Serving as a member of the Board of Representatives for District 9 for the last six years. He is also the Chair of the Public Safety and Health Committee and an active advocate for ensuring all members of his community have access to the resources they need. He believes that service and giving back are key elements of creating a prosperous community.
Virgil de la Cruz, City of Stamford Representative for District 2:
Virgil de la Cruz was born in the Dominican Republic; his family emigrated to Puerto Rico when he was a child. As a teenager, he moved to America to pursue his education, achieving a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Engineering and an MBA.
Virgil has been a resident of Stamford for over 33 years. He moved to Stamford’s Waterside community (District 2) and has represented the area on Stamford’s Board of Representatives for nearly eight years. Virgil was elected Deputy Majority Leader and appointed Chair of the Operations Committee.
A number of the Board’s current priorities include completing the renovation of Boccuzzi Park, implementing an air quality monitoring program in underserved communities such as Waterside to reduce air pollution, advocating for affordable housing, promoting initiatives that combat global warming, and ensuring that taxes are as kept as low as possible.
The following are Hispanic Heritage Month events happening around Connecticut:
Rhythm and Rumba Salsa Nights
The Mayor’s Multicultural Council in Stamford and Mill River Park Collaborative are inviting the public to take free salsa dance lessons at the park fountain. The lessons are scheduled for Sept. 22 and 29 from 6-9 p.m. and will be taught by instructors from Alisa’s House of Salsa in New Haven, D.J. Harry Trinidad and Ritmos Latinos.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at Waterford Public Library
The Waterford Public Library is hosting a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with food, dancing and crafts. The event is scheduled for Sept. 30 in the Meeting Room from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Latino Winemakers Wine Tasting
The Spanish Community of Wallingford, a social services organization, will host its 11th annual wine-tasting event at the Farms Country Club on Oct. 12 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste a variety of wines from Spain, California and South America and enjoy food, live music and dance performances. Tickets purchased in advanced are $75 and $85 at the door.
Hispanic Heritage Month Business Resource Fair & Expo, Bridgeport
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Bridgeport is hosting a networking event for Latin business leaders, entrepreneurs and community members from a variety of industries. The event will allow participants to discuss the latest news and business opportunities for the Latin community in Connecticut. The fair will take place on Oct. 20 at The Knowlton and will last from 3-6 p.m. Attendees can register at the HCCGB website.
Hispanic Heritage Month at the Danbury Library
The Danbury Library is hosting several events over the next four weeks to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Visitors can make crafts inspired by Hispanic cultures, learn how to make paella and salsa, play Spanish music and take salsa and Spanish lessons. The detailed schedule is posted on the library’s website.
