Here's how Corpus Christi is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15
Editor's note: This article may be updated as needed to include additional events or updated event details.
National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, honors the culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
Here's how residents and visitors in the Corpus Christi area can celebrate Hispanic culture and history with music, art, food and more:
Celebrations
Del Mar College Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-off Celebration
What: Del Mar College will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with a lively event filled with music, traditional Mexican refreshments and a display of historical posters from the Del Mar College chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education, along with DMC Libraries showcasing a special display highlighting relevant cultural resource materials.
When: 11 a.m. to noon, Monday, Sept. 16
Where: Center for Mexican American Studies room 133
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off
What: The university will host a kick-off for Hispanic Heritage Month with free food, entertainment and activities.
When: 5-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16
Where: Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi's Anchor Ballroom
Dr. Hector P. Garcia Day Celebration
What: Honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Hector P. Garcia, local Mexican-American physician, World War II veteran and civil rights activist. Garcia, founder of the American GI Forum, fought for the rights of Hispanic Americans and veterans who were denied housing, medical and educational opportunities. Since 2009, Garcia's work and memory has been honored on the third Wednesday of September. The program will begin with a presentation, "Feeding Hope: Dr. Hector P. Garcia & Community Advocacy with Food Insecurity," by Kristeen Baum followed by a reception with music and refreshments.
When: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18
Where: Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi's Mary and Jeff Bell Library
“Nuestras Raíces” Hispanic Heritage Day
What: Join the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History for a day filled with interactive activities, engaging science shows and an exciting traditional game of lotería. An “ofrenda” table will also be set to kick off the Día de los Muertos celebrations. The cost of entry is general admission for non-members.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
Lectures and panel discussions
Una Noche de Pláticas: A Night of Empowerment for Women
What: This event features panel discussion on time management, self-care, culture barriers, navigating loss, raising grandkids and military moms by local moms affiliated with the Antonio E. Garcia Arts & Education Center. The event begins with a dinner from 5:30 to 6 p.m. An RSVP is required for the dinner at tamucc.edu/education/departments/garcia-center/. No RSVP is required if only attending the panel from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18
Where: Antonio E. Garcia Arts & Education Center
Political science lecture on border security
What: Del Mar College political science professor Adrian Clark will explain key developments in border politics and policy at both federal and state levels.
When: 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24
Where: Del Mar College's Center for Mexican American Studies room 133
Music
The Blooming Rose: A retrospective of Oscar Martinez
What: The Antonio E. Garcia Arts & Education Center is hosting an exhibition honoring Tejano music legend and Corpus Christi native Oscar Martinez through Oct. 11. An opening reception is scheduled for Sept. 15 featuring a viewing of the documentary "Oscar," exhibit viewing, family talk, acoustic performance by Adrian Lara and a performance by Joe Mendoza y Alegre Band.
When: 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15
Where: Antonio E. Garcia Arts & Education Center
Larry and Joe performance
What: Larry and Joe are a singer-songwriting duo who perform a fusion of Venezuelan and Appalachian folk music, furthering their mission “to show that music has no borders.” Larry Bellorín grew up in Punta de Mata in the state of Monagas, Venezuela. Joe Troop, originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter who founded Grammy-nominated string band Che Apalache. His music is deeply inspired by his decade living in Buenos Aires and traveling throughout Latin America. Tickets for students are $5 with an ID. For more information, contact Jim Moore at [email protected] or 361-825-2374.
When: 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 9
Where: Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi's Performing Arts Center
Mariachi Corpus Christi
What: IBC Bank is presenting "Mariachi Corpus Christi" featuring award-winning mariachi groups, a mercado and local food trucks. The event is free and sponsorships will benefit Driscoll Children's Hospital.
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12
Where: IBC Bank, 221 S. Shoreline Blvd. in Corpus Christi
The Music of Selena by Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra
What: The Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra will host The Music of Selena presented by Port of Corpus Christi with additional support from the city of Corpus Christi, Tres Grace Foundation, Puente de Maravillas, John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation and PNC Bank. Featuring award-winning and Grammy-nominated singer Isabel Marie Sánchez and a 60-piece orchestra conducted by Jose Flores, the night pays tribute to the music of Selena. Tickets cost between $39 and $64.
When: 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12
Where: American Bank Center
Art
Photo exhibit and lecture on migrant field workers
What: Rosa Linda Reynoso, retired college relations staff writer and editor at Del Mar College, will present a compelling exploration of the lives and contributions of migrant field workers. A photo demonstration will be paired with her lecture.
When: 11 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Sept. 26
Where: Del Mar College's Center for Mexican American Studies room 133
"De Generación en Generación: Three Generations of South Texas Chicano/a Artists" art panel
What: The panel discussion features guest speakers Carey Rote with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Liz Kim with Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Gina Palacios with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
When: 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Oct. 9
Where: Del Mar College's Center for Mexican American Studies room 133
Mexican flower-making workshop
What: Del Mar College staff will demonstrate the art of creating papel picado, the brightly colored decorative paper craft that involves cutting intricate designs into sheets of tissue paper.
When: 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15
Where: Del Mar College's languages lab room 108
Film and poetry
Three screenings of episodes of "VOCES: American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos"
What: John Leguizamo delves into both well-known and lesser-known stories of Latino history and contributions, spanning thousands of years from the Ancient Empires to the early 1970s. Following each episode will be a panel discussion with university faculty with a Q&A.
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17; Tuesday, Sept. 24; and Tuesday, Oct. 8
Where: Performing Arts Center at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
LatinX film screening of "East Side Sushi"
What: This inspiring film takes place in the bustling multicultural backdrop of Los Angeles and follows the journey of a Mexican American woman who defies expectations in the traditionally male-dominated world of sushi-making. As an immigrant striving to carve out her place in this unique industry, she navigates cultural challenges and personal aspirations.
When: 10 a.m. to noon, Monday, Sept. 30
Where: Del Mar College's languages lab room 108
Poetry reading
What: Enjoy a live video poetry reading with photos by Elizabeth N. Flores, retired Del Mar College professor emeritus of political science, who has taken up writing prose as a second career.
When: 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2
Where: Del Mar College
Food
Tamalada Festival
What: The Tamalada Festival is an educational, family-friendly event that is free and open to the public. The festival brings together presenters from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and the South Texas community to celebrate and education on the history, contributions and cultural value of tamales, corn and tamaladas.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Texas A&M University-Kingsville in Kingsville
Tortilla cooking demonstration by chef Maria Mata
What: Mata and her assistant will cover the history and teach the techniques and secrets behind creating tortillas, an essential staple of Mexican cuisine.
When: 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 10
Where: Del Mar College's languages lab room 108
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: How to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Corpus Christi