Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 2012

Rochester celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 2012 

Mayor Thomas S. Richards

Mayor Thomas S. Richards read a Proclamation at a City Hall ceremony on Friday, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. to help kickoff the annual Hispanic Heritage Month. After the proclamation, City workers, local Latino leaders and representatives revealed the 23 national flags of Latin America, which will hang from the mezzanine overlooking the City Hall Atrium during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Guests were treated with special musical and dance performances, Spanish pastries and refreshments. Check out our gallery of photos from last year's kick-off event.

The 2012 festivities were organized under the theme - Orgullo Latino: Unidos en Nuestra Diversidad (Latino Pride: United in our Diversity).

A flier of the events can be downloaded here.

Other Hispanic Heritage Month Events

Events hosted by the City’s Hispanic Heritage Planning Committee include:

• Latino Art Exhibit: Sept. 11 through Oct. 15
  Now seeking talented artists to enter its first art competition. Entries will be accepted representing one of the 23 Latin American countries. One piece representing each country will be selected for viewing in the City Hall Link Gallery. Examples of work accepted are portrait, still life, floral, landscape, interior or abstract. Work has to be ready to be hung and preferably framed. Submissions are being accepted electronically by August 31 via email to HispanicHeritageMonth@CityofRochester.gov. Please add "Link Gallery" to the subject line of the email correspondence. Artists whose work will be chosen to be displayed at the Link Gallery will be notified via email. Contest is open to all residents of Monroe County. 
• Honoring our Abuelitos: Sept. 20, 6 to 8:30 p.m.  St. Michael's Church Hall, 869 N. Clinton Ave. Collaborative efforts with the Hispanic Community Center and with IBERO's programs: Project HOPE & Centro de Oro. Recognition of a Latino senior, dancing, live music and food. For additional information, call Roberto Burgos, 428-7503.
• Latino Youth Talent Expo: Oct. 4, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Edgerton Stardust Ballroom, 41 Backus St. Latino youth, ages 4-18, will showcase their talents and imagination! No entry fee! Not a contest. Opportunity to discover, develop and encourage Latino talented singers (vocal solo or vocal groups), dancers, and musicians. Pantomimes, performance poetry, skits and clean comedy acts are also encouraged. As the night ends Commissioner Luis Burgos will present participants with a special certificate. Parents/guardians must register their child. To register, for rules and regulations and for additional information, please e-mail at HispanicHeritageMonth@cityofrochester.gov or download a registration form.
• Dancing to Latino Rhythms: Oct. 10, noon to 1 p.m., City Council Chambers. Professional dance instructor; registration limited to 25. RSVP to Johanna Santiago at 428-6110.
• 2nd Annual Latino Student College Fair: Oct. 12, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., City Hall Atrium, Council Chambers Room. Rochester City School District (RCSD) Junior and Senior High School students and college freshmen will have an opportunity to stop by a dozen local agencies and colleges in one place! (Monroe County Junior and Senior High School students also welcome to attend). Dr. Otero Award will be presented, will be presented, motivational guest speaker, Spanish appetizers, Wegmans display. For additional information, call 469-3690.  You may also send an email to Debbie Valle at HispanicHeritageMonth@cityofrochester.gov.
• Latino Gala: Oct. 20, 6 to 9 p.m., Stardust Ballroom will recognize a Latino of Positive Influence (LOPI Award). The elegant and historic Edgerton Stardust Ballroom will be set with a Latino flair, traditional Hispanic cuisine will be served and there will be live entertainment. Tickets: $15 per peson and two for $25. For general Gala information contact Janet Gomez, 428-7515. For LOPI Awards/Nominations, call Melisa Vega, 230-3834. Download a LOPI Nomination form.

For more information, you may call 311 or (585) 428-5990.  Be sure to stay up to date by visiting the Hispanic Heritage Month's Facebook page.