September 15 marked the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. Celebrations have already begun in Rhode Island, and The Herald has compiled a list of upcoming events that highlight the art, music, history and more of Ocean’s diverse Latinx community State.
September 28, October 5 and October 12: Latin American arts and crafts. Providence Community Libraries are hosting a series of events for participants to create pieces inspired by “Latin American and Spanish artistic and craft traditions,” according to the event description. The events will take place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Olneyville Library Children’s Area on September 28, October 5 and October 12 and are free to attend.
October 2: Fireside chat with Dr. Laura Lopez-Sanders. As part of the Watson Institute’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the institute is hosting a fireside chat with Dr. Laura Lopez-Sanders, associate professor of sociology. Topics of discussion include Lopez-Sanders’ research on public policy, immigration, inequality and more, as well as her background as an academic. The event will take place at the Joukowsky Forum in the former Watson Institute building from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and attendance is free.
October 6: Progreso Latino 46th anniversary gala. Celebrate the 46th anniversary of Progreso Latino – an organization that works to support Rhode Island’s Latino and immigrant communities through more than a dozen programs and services – at “Hat Festival.“Participants are encouraged to wear a hat representing their culture or “a creation of their own.” The gala will begin at 6 p.m. in Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston, and tickets can be purchased purchased online.
October 7: Let’s play Mexican Lotería! | We are going to play Loteria Mexicana!. Families are invited to join the Pawtucket Public Library for a morning of Lottery, a traditional Mexican bingo game. Win prizes during this free event open to all.
October 13: Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at the State House. Join Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa for a party offering food, live music and cultural performances. The event will take place at the State House starting at 6 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
October 18: 8th Annual University of Rhode Island Guitar Festival. “Costa Rica meets Greece” is the first concert of this year URI Guitar Festival and will star Adrián Montero, Jeisson Ramirez Salas and Filippos Manoloudis. Montero and Manoloudis have won several awards at international competitions and Ramirez won first prize at the 2022 Concurso Nacional de Guitarra de Costa Rica. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Courthouse Center for the Performing Arts in West Kingston and tickets can be purchased purchased online.
October 21: 45th Annual Rhode Island Heritage Festival. In late October, the WaterFire Arts Center will host a celebration of culture, music and dance from around the world. This year’s festival will feature a parade of international flags, a variety of performances, cultural and artistic exhibitions, craft demonstrations and a multicultural fashion show. The event will take place from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and entry is free for all participants.
Rhea Rasquinha is a Metro editor covering the beats of College Hill, Fox Point & the Jewelry District and Brown & Beyond. She is also an illustrator. She is a sophomore in New York studying biomedical engineering and loves dark chocolate and penguins.
