Both Union City and West New York have planned celebrations this week in honor of “Hispanic Heritage Month” (see sidebar).
Observation of “Hispanic Heritage Month” actually began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 and was later expanded to cover a 30-day period between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15 under President Reagan’s administration.
Over 20 years later, the month-long event is recognized in schools and municipalities throughout the country to acknowledge the diverse culture, customs, and ethnicities of Hispanic communities.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in schools and municipalities throughout the country acknowledging the diverse culture, customs, and ethnicities of Hispanic communities.
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Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.
Events planned
• On Oct. 16 at 7 p.m., Union City planned to hold the Union City Hispanic Heritage Month Concert at the Union City Performing Arts Center, 2500 Kennedy Blvd., a free concert featuring performances by various artists.
• On Oct. 17 beginning at noon, the Dominican American Parade of Hudson County will take place along Bergenline Avenue from 59th Street to 43rd Street. The parade will feature various floats, dancers, and musical groups. The mayors of Guttenberg, Union City, Weehawken, and West New York are scheduled to attend along with freeholders, assemblymen, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, and Rep. Albio Sires.
• West New York planned a special event called “A History of My Community in West New York” featuring folkloric cultural dances, poetry readings, and an art exhibition to demonstrate the Hispanic culture in West New York as it has evolved through time. Although it was originally scheduled to take place on Oct. 14, the event has been postponed for a later date to be announced.