Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with these fun programs to celebrate, honor, and highlight the Hispanic and Latinx community's history and achievements.

 

EVENTS FOR KIDS & FAMILIES

 

Rhythm of Our Roots - Castanets

Discover the significance and history of castanets in Hispanic culture while creating your own castanets with cardboard and bottle caps. All supplies provided while they last.

Tuesday, September 5 at 3:15 p.m., Skillman Southwestern Branch  

Thursday, September 21 at 3:15 p.m., Audelia Road Branch 

Saturday, September 23 at 2 p.m., Forest Green Branch 

Monday, October 2 at 3:30 p.m., Arcadia Park Branch

Tuesday, October 2 at 3:30 p.m., Arcadia Park Branch  

Wednesday, October 4 at 3:30 p.m., Arcadia Park Branch

Thursday, October 5 at 3:30 p.m., Arcadia Park Branch  

 

Papel Libre

Learn about the rich cultural heritage of Hispanic communities, specifically the Mexican tradition of lucha libre - a popular form of professional wrestling known for its iconic masks. Make and take home your own paper lucha libre mask! All supplies provided while they last. 

Thursday, September 7 at 3:15 p.m., Arcadia Road Branch  

Saturday, September 16 at 2 p.m., Forest Green Branch 

Tuesday, September 19 at 3:15 p.m., Skillman Southwestern 

This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.

 

Jewelry Making Workshop

Learn the basics of jewelry making in this hands-on class lead by local artist Motcy Designs. Beginners welcome, no former experience needed. Suitable for all ages; parent or guardian should attend. Free, all supplies provided.

Aprende los fundamentos de la joyería en esta clase práctica. Principiantes bienvenidos, no se necesita experiencia previa. Apto para todas las edades, los padres o tutores deben asistir. Gratis, todos los suministros proporcionados.

Saturday, September 9 at 10 a.m., Pleasant Grove Branch

Presented by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.

 

Rhythm of Heritage - Guiros

Repurpose plastic water bottles to create guiros - traditional Latin American percussion instruments! All supplies provided while they last. 

Saturday, September 9 at 2 p.m.  Forest Green Branch

Thursday, September 28 at 3:15 p.m.  Audelia Road Branch

This program is brought to you by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.

 

Latin American Crafts for Kids: Mariachi and Frida Kahlo

Celebrate Latin American art and music with two make-and-take crafts! Create your own little mariachi band out of paper, and a portrait of Frida Kahlo to hang on your wall. All supplies provided.

Monday, September 11 at 3:30 p.m.  Arcadia Park Branch

Tuesday, September 12 at 3:30 p.m.  Arcadia Park Branch

Wednesday, September 13 at 3:30 p.m.  Arcadia Park  Branch

Thursday, September 14 at 3:30 p.m.  Arcadia Park Branch

 

Papel Picado

Make your own papel picado - the brightly colored paper flags that feature intricate cut-out designs and are often used in Day of the Dead celebrations. All supplies provided. Recommended ages 6-12.

Tuesday, September 12 at 4 p.m.  Renner Frankford Branch

Wednesday, September 13 at 4 p.m.  Fretz Park Branch

Thursday, September 14 at 4 p.m. Park Forest Branch 

Thursday, September 21 at 3:30 p.m.  Kleberg-Rylie Branch

Tuesday, September 26 at 4 p.m.  Prairie Creek Branch

Wednesday, September 27 at 4 p.m.  Polk-Wisdom Branch

This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.

 

Rhythm and Play (Ritmo y juegos)

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a fun and musical hour and then some social time and playtime for ages 0 - 4. The kids will listen to music from different Hispanic countries and make their own maracas! All supplies included. 

Celebre el Mes de la Herencia Hispana con una hora de diversión y música y luego un rato social y de juego para edades de 0 a 4 años. Los niños escucharán música de diferentes países hispanos y ¡harán su propia maraca! Se proporcionará todo el material necesario.

Thursday, September 15 at 11 a.m.  Pleasant Grove Branch

Thursday, October 6 at 11 a.m.  Pleasant Grove Branch

 

Hispanic Heritage Month with Cara Mia Theater

Make Mexican arts & crafts with Cara Mia Theater and learn about the deep history and culture behind the art.

Haga artesanías mexicanas con el Teatro Cara Mia y aprenda sobre la profunda historia y cultura detrás del arte.

Friday, September 15 at 3:30 p.m.  Prairie Creek Branch

 

Ollimpaxqui Ballet Company Workshop 

Let Ollimpaxqui Ballet Company introduce you to rhythms and dances from Latin American countries with a lot of flavor, such as Salsa from Puerto Rico, Merengue from the Dominican Republic, and Cumbia from Colombia. This program is appropriate for the entire family. 

Friday, September 15 at 3:30 p.m.  Mountain Creek Branch 

Wednesday, September 30 at 2 p.m.  Fretz Park Branch

Supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.

 

Games of Latin America

Enjoy traditional and new games from a variety of Latin American countries. 

Saturday, September 16 at 9 a.m.  J. Erik Jonsson Central Library

 

Diez y Seis Celebration - Mexican Independence Day

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day, the Diez y seis de Septiembre!  There will be food and games, crafts, drinks, a pinata and a lot of music!  Come and hear the Call for Independence, the Grito de Dolores. 

¡Celebra el Dieciséis de Septiembre, el día de la Independencia Mexicana! Tendremos comida, bebidas, juegos, actividades, una piñata,  y mucha música!  Vengan a escuchar El Grito de Dolores. 

Saturday, September 16 at 1 p.m.  Park Forest Branch

 

Hispanic Heritage Month Family Movie 

"Rio 2"  

Blu and his family embark on an Amazonian adventure when Jewel decides their kids should see the world, but the overprotective father begins to fear that his clan will abandon him once they've experienced life in the wild. Rated PG

Saturday, September 16 at 1 p.m.  Pleasant Grove Branch  

 

God's Eye Craft

The Huichol Indians who lived in the mountains made God's eyes (or Ojos de Dios) to watch over them. They were woven onto crisscrossing sticks, joining in the center. The center eye represented the sun and stood for the power of seeing and understanding things we normally cannot see. Get creative with yarn and make your own God's eye to take home. All supplies provided.

Monday, September 18 at 3:30 p.m.  Arcadia Park Branch  

Monday, September 19 at 3:30 p.m.  Arcadia Park Branch   

Monday, September 20 at 3:30 p.m.  Arcadia Park Branch

Monday, September 21 at 3:30 p.m.  Arcadia Park Branch 

This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.

 

Lucha Libre Masks

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the library and make lucha libre masks! Pick out your favorite colors and designs for a mask to make and take home. All supplies provided. Recommended ages: 6-12.

¡Celebre el mes de la Herencia Hispana con la biblioteca y haga máscaras de lucha libre! Elija sus colores y diseños favoritos para hacer una máscara y llevarla a casa. Todos los suministros proporcionados. Edad recomendada: 6-12.

Tuesday, September 19 at 4 p.m., Prairie Creek Branch 

Friday, September 22 at 3:30 p.m. Skyline Branch

Thursday, September 28 at 3:30 p.m., Kleberg-Rylie Branch

This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.

 

Amazing Alebrijes: Hispanic Heritage Month Craft

Alebrijes are rare, unique and whimsical animals whose job it is to protect the household and scare away evil spirits. Alebrijes have horns, antlers, wings, and fins, and some have them all at once! Design and color your very own Alebrijes and take it home with you.

Tuesday, September 19 at 3:30 p.m.  Preston Royal Branch 

Friday, September 22 at 3:30 p.m.  Bachman Lake Branch

Friday, October 6 at 3:30 p.m.  Grauwyler Park Branch 

 

Ollimpaxqui Ballet Company Performance

Enjoy a special dance performance celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by the Ollimpaxqui Ballet Company. In this exciting show, they will showcase some fun dances from Latin America. 

Disfrute de una presentación especial de baile celebrando el mes de la Herencia Hispana con la Compañía de Ballet Ollimpaxqui. En este excitante espectáculo se mostrarán algunos bailes divertidos de Latinoamérica. 

Thursday, September 21 at 4:30  Pleasant Grove Branch

Provided by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.

 

Huichol Yarn Painting

The crafts of Mexico are renowned for bright colors and bold designs, especially the nierika, or sacred yarn paintings, made by the Huichol people. Learn how to make Huichol-inspired yarn paintings in this afternoon craft program.

Thursday, September 21 at 4:30 p.m.  Lakewood Branch 

 

Semillitas by Ofelia Faz-Garza

“Semillitas,” or “Little seeds,’” is a visual arts workshop created by Ofelia Faz-Garza, a writer who wants to plant a love for words, poems and books among children. Kids will create their own literary works (poetry, short stories, comics, recipes, family stories, etc.) and preserve them in simple books, zines, collages and other paper media to take home.

Friday, September 22 at 3:30 p.m.  Vickery Park Branch 

This program is supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.

 

Mini Mercado Pop Up

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a trip to the Mini Mercado! We will have local Latinx vendors, food, free community resources, crafts, and live music and dance performances. Free and open to everyone!

• 10:30 a.m. Bombazo DFW will perform live dance and music from the nation of Puerto Rico.
• 12 p.m. Ollimpaxqui Ballet Company will perform a showcase of dances and music from a wide variety of Latin American countries.

Saturday, September 23 at 10 a.m.  Oak Lawn Branch

Sponsored by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.

 

Hispanic Heritage Month Craft - Maracas

Make your own pair of maracas while you learn the history of this percussion instrument and its importance in Hispanic music. All materials provided for this make-and-take craft.

Monday, September 25 at 3:30 p.m.  Arcadia Park Branch 

Tuesday, September 26 at 3:30 p.m.  Arcadia Park Branch

Wednesday, September 27 at 3:30 p.m.  Arcadia Park Branch 

Thursday, September 28 at 3:30 p.m.  Arcadia Park Branch 

 

Greiner Mariachi Band Performance

Enjoy music from W.E. Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy's Mariachi band, "Los Unicos" in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Tuesday, September 26 at 6 p.m.  Dallas West Branch 

This concert is made possible by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.

 

STEAM: Pelé, the King of Soccer

A STEAM engineering challenge! Kids will plan, design, and build their own soccer game all while celebrating Hispanic Heritage by learning about Pelé: King of Soccer!

¡Un desafío de ingeniería STEAM! Los niños podrán planear, diseñar y construir su propio juego de fútbol mientras celebran la Herencia Hispana aprendiendo sobre Pelé: ¡El Rey del Fútbol!

Thursday, September 28 at 4:30 p.m.  Pleasant Grove Branch

 

Panamanian Molas 

The mola ("shirt" or "clothing" in the Dulegaya language) forms part of the traditional outfit of a Kuna woman in Panama. Now these designs are woven into cloth or appliqued to blouses. We will be making our molas out of paper. All materials provided. 

Thursday, September at 4:30 p.m.  Lakewood Branch 

 

Macrame Workshop

Learn how to make decorative macrame wall hangings with an artist from the City of Dallas. Appropriate for all ages. 

Saturday, September 30 at 10 a.m.  Prairie Creek Branch  

This program is brought to you by the Office of Arts and Culture.

 

Plena (Afro-Puerto Rican Rhythms) Dance Workshop

Come celebrate Puerto Rican culture with us through dance! In this workshop, participants will learn Plena, a dance that is rooted in Afro-Puerto Rican rhythms. 

¡Ven a celebrar la cultura puertorriqueña con nosotros a través del baile! En este taller, los participantes aprenderán Plena, un baile que tiene sus raíces en los ritmos afro puertorriqueños.

Saturday, September 30 at 1 p.m.  Arcadia Park Branch   

This program is supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.
Este programa está patrocinado por la Oficina de Arte y Cultura de la Ciudad de Dallas a través del Programa de Artistas Comunitario.
 

Taino Rocks

Make Taino petroglyphs in this Hispanic Heritage Month Craft! Tainos, indigenous to Caribbean Islands such as Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, were known as a peaceful people who were also expert farmers and hunters. Petroglyphs, or rock carvings, made by the Tainos still remain in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic and tell the stories of their history. 

Thursday, September 21 at 4 p.m. Timberglen Branch

Thursday, October 5 at 4:30 p.m.  Lakewood Branch   

 

Hojalata Tin Art

Hojalata is the tin art made in Mexico that creates both practical and ornate objects. The designs painted on these artifacts range from humorous images to cultural and religious motifs. Use your imagination and see what colorful works of art you can create! All supplies provided.

Tuesday, October 10 at 3:30 p.m.  Arcadia Park Branch  

Wednesday, October 11 at 3:30 p.m.  Arcadia Park Branch

Supplies courtesy of the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.

 

Noche Mexicana 

Listen and watch performances by the Conrad High School Chargette Dance Team. Make some Mexican-inspired crafts that explore the culture of Mexican heritage. Don't forget to pop by our "Pop-up" market with local Latinx vendors!

Escucha y mira actuaciones del equipo de baile Chargette de Conrad High School. Elabora artesanías inspirados de México que exploran la cultura y la herencia Méxicana. ¡No olvides parar por nuestro mercado con proveedores latinos locales!

Saturday, October 14 at 1 p.m.  Vickery Park Branch 

This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.

 

Hispanic Heritage Month Craft- Mayan Kites

The tradition of barriletes gigantes, or giant kites is a cultural event for Mayan communities that dates back to a time before European influences came to the Americas. Colorful kites represented the union of the underworld of the deceased and the land of the living and were flown on the Day of the Dead. Using your creativity and imagination, make your own Mayan kite to take home with you. All supplies provided.

Monday, October 16 at 3:30 p.m. Arcadia Park Branch 

Tuesday, October 17 at 3:30 p.m. Arcadia Park Branch

Wednesday, October 18 at 3:30 p.m. Arcadia Park Branch 

Thursday, October 19 at 3:30 p.m. Arcadia Park Branch 

Supplies courtesy of the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.

 

 

EVENTS FOR ADULTS

Meals & Memories: A Community Tasting for Hispanic Heritage Month

Years of history and tradition are contained in the food we eat every day. Celebrate the City of Dallas' Welcome Week, Mexican Independence Day, and the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month with food, community, and conversation. Enjoy a selection of small plates created by Chef Luis Olvera, of Trompo in Bishop Arts. Registration is required.

Saturday, September 16 at 4:30 p.m.  J. Erik Jonsson Central Library

The Meals and Memories Series is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library and the General Levi Casey Chapter, NSDAR.

 

Hispanic Heritage Month Movie: Under the Same Moon

A Mexican boy embarks on an illegal border-crossing adventure in hopes of reuniting with his mother, an undocumented immigrant working as a domestic in L.A. He is forced to make the dangerous journey after the death of his grandmother, who was taking care of him in Mexico.

Un niño mexicano se embarca en una aventura ilegal para cruzar la frontera con la esperanza de reunirse con su madre, una inmigrante indocumentada que trabaja como empleada doméstica en Los Ángeles. Se ve obligado a realizar el peligroso viaje tras la muerte de su abuela, que cuidaba de él en México.

PG-13 (109 Minutes)

Saturday, September 23 at 1:30 p.m.  Pleasant Grove Branch

 

Pre-Columbian Painting 

Discover the multiple indigenous cultures that came from Colombia before it was colonized by Spain. Using a pre-Columbian art approach, Alex Cely will lead you in creating a painting that is imbued with Colombian identity and heritage.

Saturday, September 23 at 2 p.m.  Timberglen Branch

This program is supported in part by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.

 

Art Workshop: South American Mola Pieces

The mola is a part of the traditional outfit of a Kuna woman in Panama. It originated with the tradition of painting their bodies with geometric designs. Now these designs are woven into cloth or appliqued to blouses. Learn more about molas and make your own mola artwork. All materials provided. Registration is required.

Wednesday, September 27 at 5:30 p.m.  Grauwyler Park Branch 

Thursday, September 28 at 5:30 p.m.  Preston Royal Branch 

This program is made possible by the Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.

 

Flamenco for Seniors!

Enjoy the art of Flamenco music and dance presented by The Flame Foundation. From rhythm to dancing hands, Flame‘s Flamenco instructors Delilah and Antonio Arrebola will show you simple dance movements and castanet playing that can be done while standing or seated. ¡Olé con Olé!

Friday, September 29 at 11 a.m.  Renner Frankford Branch 

Supported by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture..

---

All locations of Dallas Public Library will be closed Monday, October 9 in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day.