ORLANDO — Sure, sure, Orlando has its big theme parks and easy access to the beaches on the coast. But did you know that a huge draw for Orlando is its vibrant Hispanic culture?
From the Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival in downtown Orlando every April to the huge one-day celebration of music known as Festival Calle Orange in October, from the rich history of the Casa Feliz house in Winter Park with its Andalusian-style masonry on the shores of Lake Osceola to the vibrant Cuban restaurants such as the Black Bean Deli, the contributions made here by the City Beautiful’s Puerto Rican, Cuban and Mexican residents have not only improved the quality of life and enhanced the city’s cultural treasures, but also become a big draw for tourism. Just ask Visit Orlando, which vigorously promotes the city’s Hispanic heritage tourism.
Don’t think the city of Orlando hasn’t noticed, either.
Monday is the official start of Hispanic Heritage Month in the city, and there will be activities through Wednesday, Oct. 15. Let the fun begin.
What is Hispanic Heritage Month?
National Hispanic Heritage Month is held every year to celebrate the histories and cultures of Hispanic Americans. The observation was launched in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to become a 30-day event.
“Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month reaffirms Orlando’s commitment to being a welcoming city that embraces the differences of its residents,” the City of Orlando notes in as proclamation issued by Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Orlando City Commission on Sept. 8. “The city of Orlando is proud to dedicate this month and host events to celebrate the rich and diverse Hispanic culture and heritage within the community.”
The city hopes to keep residents and visitors alike quite busy during this month.
Start by checking out artwork by Hispanic artists now on display at Terrance Galley at Orlando City Hall, 400 S. Orange Ave. On Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 5 p.m., there will be an open reception for this exhibit, Collective Heritage: Honoring The Past, Inspiring The Future.
The exhibit, the City notes, will feature “art pieces from 32 local visual artists inspired by this year’s national theme, Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future. The display showcases art pieces of local visual artists, highlighting the importance of celebrating the deep cultural traditions that shape Hispanic identity while embracing the promise and creativity of future generations.”
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, across the street from City Hall at 445 S. Magnolia Ave., will be the scene for a Hispanic Heritage Month Community Celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 8. “At the event, the community can enjoy traditional Hispanic dishes, Latin music and entertainment,” the City notes.
There are other regional events as well.
During this month, Orlando Family Stage is producing Go, Dog. Go! • Ve Perro ¡Ve!, a bilingual musical adaptation of P.D. Eastman’s children’s book, “filled with colorful costumes, playful antics, and musical joy,” the theater in Loch Haven Park notes. “Whether you speak English, Spanish, or another language, this show is designed to be easy to follow, fun to watch, and perfect for early learners and first-time theatergoers.” The show runs now through Oct. 5.
Check out the 5th annual Latin Festival of Performing Arts which runs from Monday, Sept. 22 until Sunday, Sept. 28 and will feature film screenings, live theater, music and dance as a weeklong fiesta with free night performances and lively translations in 25 languages. The event is being held at the Art & History Museums at 231 W. Packwood Ave. in Maitland.
Head over to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for Sunset At the Zoo, an after-hours, separately ticketed event that will feature themed entertainment, specialty foods, kid-friendly crafts and plenty of vendors. This event will be on Friday, Sept. 26. The zoo is at 3755 W. Seminole Boulevard in Sanford.
Does Orlando have Great Hispanic Restaurants?
For visitors and residents alike, Hispanic Heritage Month is also a great time to explore the region’s many popular Hispanic restaurants, which has a great reputation with locals. Just ask the Lemonhearted visitors guide website, which notes that “Orlando is truly the melting pot that doesn’t own one specific category of Hispanic cuisine but has something for everyone. If you don’t believe me, you aren’t exploring.”
Here is their guide to the must-see restaurants in Orlando during Hispanic Heritage Month. Enjoy!
Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright and author of the terrifying book “Bloody Rabbit”. Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com.
Freeline Media accepts opinion columns — ones that are polite, civil, and done with insight and good taste — from all points of view, all ideologies, all political parties and concerns. We are also looking for authors of original short stories. Contact us today at FreelineOrlando@gmail.com if you’d like to share your views and opinions.
