Art, exercise, music and more on tap during observance of culture's contributions
Ballet Folklórico de Chicago is one of the acts performing at Hispanic Heritage Fest Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Brookfield Zoo. From a Latin music-fueled fitness class at The Community House to Spanish story time at the Hinsdale Public Library to an Argentinian dance group taking the stage at College of DuPage, Hispanic Heritage Month is full of fun events. (photo provided)
By Ken Knutson
¡Celebremos!
September is Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to lean into engaging programs and events reflecting the vibrancy of Latino culture. There are several opportunities to join the fiesta right here in Hinsdale and the surrounding area, so check out the details below and then vamonos!
• Keep your head up when visiting nearby forest preserves. The Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, in coordination with the College of DuPage and the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau, is showcasing Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy, a public art exhibit of hand-painted, large-scale sculptures inspired by the iconic ancient Mesoamerican Olmec heads.
Among the 33 host sites for the countywide installment are two in Oak Brook: Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center at 3609 Spring Road, and Mayslake Peabody Estate at 1717 W. 31st St.
The project pays tribute to the indigenous roots of Mexican heritage while highlighting the significance of public art, according to a release from organizers of the exhibit, which opened in June.
" Olmec Trails offers a fresh and accessible approach to the rich culture of the Olmec civilization. The exhibition aims to connect spectators with these unique artworks, promoting healthy engagement with the outdoors and providing benefits for both physical and mental health," the release states. "This ambitious project serves as a platform for cultural education and artistic appreciation, enriching the community's connection to a pivotal aspect of Mesoamerican history."
The exhibition runs through Oct. 31. For more information, visit http://www.clevecarney-gallery.squarespace.com/olmectrails.
• Get a fun, physical workout at a Latin Heat Dance Fitness class from 11 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Sept. 14, 21 and 28, at The Community House, 415 W. Eighth St.
Instructor and trained ballroom dancer Guillermo Rivera welcomes all dance levels to experience the flavor and rhythms of Latin music with combination moves that strengthen the body and burn calories.
The cost is $12 per class in advance, $15 on the day of class, and registration is required. Visit http://www.thecommunityhouse.org.
• Introduce little ones - from infants through 6-year-olds - to a new language through songs and stories at Spanish Storytime from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 17 and 24, at the Hinsdale Public Library, 20 E. Maple St.
The program is presented by Angelica Sanchez, and a caregiver must accompany the child. Visit http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info to register.
• Delight in live music, delectable cuisine, cultural performances and more at Hispanic Heritage Fest Saturday, Sept. 21, at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St.
Throughout the day, zoogoers can enjoy performances by Ballet Folklórico de Chicago, Grupo Folklórico Venada, La Escuelita Bombera de Corazón, Daniel Ochoa and the Trabuco Salsa Band. Bilingual story times and play games will entertain young guests, and special zoo chats will present animals native to the Latin American region. Representatives from local organizations and vendors will be at the Community Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is $29.95, $24.95 for seniors 65 and older, $20.95 for ages 3-11 and free for age 2 and younger. Parking is $17 at the north gate, $20 at the south gate.
For more information, visit http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/hispanicheritagefest.
• Improve your footwork at Salsa Dance: Party for the Preserve from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Thatcher Woods on Chicago Avenue west of Thatcher Avenue in River Forest.
Enjoy music, salsa dance instruction, food trucks, bilingual hikes, yoga and more. Programa ofrecido en Espanol.
Admission is free. For a full schedule or more information, visit http://www.fpdcc.com/event/salsa-dance-party-for-the-preserves or call (312) 533-5751.
• The all-male percussive dance group Malevo will captivate viewers from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the College of DuPage's McAninch Arts Center,
After getting the Golden Buzzer on "America's Got Talent" these cultural ambassadors of Argentina have been thrilling audiences with their unique style of Malambo, a traditional Argentine folk dance, taking it beyond its limits with a modern approach, merging it with other dance styles and urban percussion.
A free MAC Chat will held in conjunction with the performance to provide a greater understanding and appreciation of the program.
Tickets are $59 to $69. Visit http://www.atthemac.org/events/malevo.
