Tracing back to a week-long celebration in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was officially recognized in 1988 by President Ronald Regan and honors the significant roles Hispanic/Latino Americans have planned in shaping the United States since the beginning of the county. From September 15 to October 15, Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) is joining several others in celebrating the many contributions to our country made by people of Hispanic and Latino ancestry with presentations, musical performances, storytimes, crafts and more. 

Check out a small sample of what we have planned at a library near you:   

*Please note that dates/times of the following events are subject to change. Check the event listing for the latest information.   

Create a Yarn Doll – Thomas Jefferson Library – September 20-21 
Celebrate Hispanic heritage by making a Guatemalan “worry” doll out of yarn, clothes pin and other craft supplies that will be available all day on both Friday and Saturday. 

Hispanic Heritage Celebration - Herndon Fortnightly Library – Saturday, September 21 
Enjoy a traditional Bolivian dance performance featuring members of the local dance group Tinkus San Simón Filial Virgina. Then make Puerto Rican vejigante masks and watch the short documentary, “Ramona.” 

Flamenco Performance with Furia Flamenca – Culmore (Woodrow Wilson) Library – Saturday, September 21 (registration required) 
Join us for an afternoon filled with the fiery footwork and passion of flamenco through dance numbers as well as musical solos. Performers include dancers Estela Velez de Paredez and Daniel Pardez, and guitarist and singer Juan L. Romero. 

Amate Art – John Marshall Library – Monday, September 23 (registration required) 
Partake in the Mexican tradition of making and decorating tree bark paper! We'll mimic using bark paper and create art inspired by amate paintings while we learn about traditional folk art. 

Hispanic Heritage Month Trivia – Richard Byrd Library – Friday, September 27 
Test your knowledge of the achievements of Hispanic Americans in this afternoon trivia program for all ages.  

Mr. Lilo – City of Fairfax Regional Library – Saturday, September 28 
Dance along with Mr. Lilo, a singer and songwriter who has touched the lives of people with his fun, thoughtful music, as he shares a message to adults and children of all cultures to unite to build a better world for all. 

¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States – Sherwood Regional Library – Tuesday, October 22 
Hear a presentation about the inaugural exhibition of the National Museum of the American Latino. The exhibition tells our national history from the perspectives of the diverse Latinas/os who lived it. Learn more about Latino identity, immigration, historical legacies, and how Latinas and Latinos have shaped the nation. 

For a complete list of Hispanic Heritage-related events, visit bit.ly/FCPL_HispanicHeritage 

You can also celebrate by participating in our Hispanic Heritage Month Genre Bingo Challenge on Beanstack! Learn more about the challenge and sign up to participate here.