Hispanic Heritage Month, noticed from September 15 to October 15, is a time to honor the wealthy traditions, contributions, and cultures of Hispanic and Latino communities. In Montgomery County, Maryland, celebrating goes far past festivals and parades—it’s woven into the meals, historical past, and on a regular basis experiences that showcase the realm’s unimaginable variety. If you’re visiting for the primary time, listed below are a number of the greatest methods to study and commemorate Hispanic tradition this season.
Savor Authentic Flavors
The county is house to a unprecedented vary of Latin American cuisines. From tacos stuffed with specialty cheeses, meats, and beans at Tacombi in Bethesda to contemporary ceviche bursting with citrus and herbs at La Malinche Spanish and Mexican Tapas in Silver Spring, you’ll discover genuine dishes that inform the story of generations. Local family-owned eating places like El Mercat Bar de Tapas at The Square Rockville that has small Spanish plates with large taste, or attempt Peruvian delicacies at La Canela, and bakeries that carry the flavors of El Salvador, Peru, Mexico, Cuba, and past to the center of the county. Sampling these dishes is greater than a meal—it’s an opportunity to expertise centuries of culinary custom.
Explore Local Markets and Bakeries
Step right into a panadería like Veronicas Bakery and Café in Silver Spring. In right here you’ll find quite a lot of Latin American delicacies classics like Pupusas, Carne Asada, Tamales, and extra. On the candy aspect, the bakery serves conventional pan dulces and pasteles. Bright produce, spices, and specialty elements line the cabinets, whereas the scent of freshly baked conchas and tres leches cake fills the air. Shopping native not solely helps small companies, but it surely additionally provides you a glimpse into the on a regular basis staples which are central to Hispanic kitchens.
Share Stories Through Music and Dance
From the rhythms of salsa and merengue to the soulful sounds of mariachi and Latin jazz, music is on the coronary heart of Hispanic heritage. Many native eating places and venues provide stay performances the place you’ll be able to expertise these traditions up shut. Even higher, check out a dance class on the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park or just transfer to the beat—Latin music is supposed to be felt as a lot as it’s heard.
Upcoming Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Hispanic Heritage Month Festival: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage on October 12 at Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Wheaton for the second annual competition that appreciates Hispanic Heritage within the county. Admission is free for the general public.
AFI Latin American Film Festival: Attend the biggest and longest-running Latin American movie competition in North America at AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center. From September 18 to October 9, purchase tickets to watch Latin American movies and eavesdrop on discussions from administrators and writers.
Bachata y Mas: Learn about all of the kinds of Bachata at Glen Echo Park throughout Bachata y Mas within the Spanish Ballroom on September 20 and October 18. All ranges are welcome!
Sabor Latino: On September 18, salsa at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown for a scorching Latin music dance get together. Take a salsa instruction class and dance to music from salsa to bachata to reggaeton and merengue.
Back Room Salsa Night: Get prepared to dance the evening away at Glen Echo Park’s Back Room Salsa Nights on September 19 and October 17 within the Spanish Ballroom. Get a one-hour newbie dance lesson after which head out on the dancefloor with a DJ spinning tunes.
Flavor and Culture Hispanic Heritage Block Party: Plan your day in Takoma Park, MD, for a enjoyable Hispanic Heritage Block Party on Holton Lane on October 4. Listen to the sounds of Trio Caliente and a mix of flamenco, pop, and Latin dance.
Family Loteria Night: Hang out with household and play a sport of Loteria on the Casey Community Center in Gaithersburg on September 19. Enjoy crafts, mild snacks, actions, video games, and a stay efficiency.
