From September 15 to October 15, we honor and celebrate the rich cultural tapestry, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic communities. This is a time to recognize the resilience, creativity, and diversity that have shaped our nation’s history and continue to enrich our lives today.
In partnership with the Highland Park Public Library, join us in the celebrations by exploring Hispanic art, music, cuisine, literature, and history.
Mariachi Sirenas
Saturday, September 9 | 11am-noon
Join us as we host Mariachi Sirenas, Chicago’s first all-women mariachi band. This popular mariachi band started performing in 2017 and has performed in many music festivals across the Midwest and had TV appearances on WGN DayTime Chicago and ABC 7 News. The group holds great pride in being part of the community of strong women working together to promote the folkloric arts of Mexico and Latin America.
Location: Adult Services Room at the Highland Park Public Library
Cookin’ with Books: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Tuesday, September 12 | 7-8pm
Join us in the Library for this month’s Cookin’ With Books program! Try cookin’ something from a different cookbook, then join us to talk about the results. Even if you haven’t read a cooking book, join in to talk about food! Hola, food lovers! Browse our cookbook collection in the Library or Hoopla and select one that honors the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latino Americans in our cuisine. From tamales to pupusas; rice with chicken, coconut or beans; dulce de leche, arequipe o cajeta… all brings not only great flavors but also fond memories!
Location: Meeting Room 8 at the Highland Park Public Library
El Mago: A Bilingual Magic Show
Wednesday, September 20 | 6:30-7:30pm
Enjoy the magical feats of El Mago in this family-friendly show. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Location: Auditorium at the Highland Park Public Library
Folkloric Dancing
Sunday, September 24 | 2-4pm
Enjoy watching the Ave Maria Dance Ministry group and dance to Traditional Mexican Folklore Music. Stay afterward to learn a few steps or two.
All ages. Pre-registration is required for this free event.
Location: West Ridge Center
Talaveras Craft (Ages 8-14)
Monday, September 25 | 3:30-5:30pm
Wednesday, September 27 | 3:30-5:30pm
Friday, September 30 | 3:30-5:30pm
Decorate the Library for Hispanic Heritage Month! Create a colorful square based on Mexican talavera tiles. We’ll display your masterpiece!
Loteria
Sunday, October 8 | 1-3pm
Have fun learning new words while you play Loteria, Mexican bingo. Winners will receive a goodie bag filled with Mexican sweet treats!
All ages. Pre-registration is required for this free event.
Location: Heller Nature Center
Mexican Sugar Skulls
Tuesday, October 10 | 6:30-8pm
Honor Hispanic Heritage Month and practice your art skills by decorating a Mexican sugar skull.
Location: Lower Level Meeting Room at the Highland Park Public Library
Coffee with a Scent of Books! Lo Que Yo Vi by Laura Esquivel
Thursday, October 12 | 6:30-8pm
Join us with a delicious coffee, tea, and cookies to discuss the book What I saw by Laura Esquivel. If you didn’t get to read the book, join in sharing what you’ve seen throughout your life. This program is in Spanish only. Find it in the Library or as an audiobook: From the house where she was born, the street games during her childhood, the music that has served as the soundtrack of her life to the social movements and the terrorist attack against the Twin Towers —which she had to witness—Laura Esquivel, the Mexican author most widely read in the world, teaches us through a colorful mosaic of writings what his eyes saw, the things he has witnessed in his 72 years of life. — Goodreads
Location: Lower Level Meeting Room at the Highland Park Public Library
Huguito Gutierrez: Music of the Andes
Saturday, October 14 | 2-3pm
Join us for an afternoon full of music from the Andean Region of South America. Huguito Gutierrez is a musician, author, composer, and inventor. He plays wind and string music instruments from the Andes region. He has recorded over a dozen music albums and his performance career has taken him to prestigious venues across Argentina, Chile, France, and the United States.
Location: Auditorium at the Highland Park Public Library
Hispanic Folktales & Churros
Saturday, October 14 | 6-7:30pm
Join us around the campfire, as we listen to folktales about the mischievous coyote and make campfire churros.
Pre-registration is required. Children under two are free and do not need to be registered.
Location: Heller Nature Center
