BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Hispanic Heritage Month starts Sunday — and shines a light on the contributions and influence of Latinos in the United States.
The Lehigh Valley's month-long festivities include family-friendly performances, film screenings, flag-raising ceremonies, networking dinners and a guest lecture by author and activist Luis Miranda at Lehigh University.
(In between events, check out this guide to the best Latin eats in the region).
Southside celebration
Northampton Community College's Hispanic Heritage Celebration will feature performances by Talento Local, a Puerto Rican folklore music group comprised of seniors from the Lehigh Valley Hispanic Center, as well as activities for children.
At the festival, vendors will sell Latin foods and artisan goods, and representatives from community resources will be on-site to provide information.
There will also be a presentation of the Unsung Hero Awards, which honors people who support the Latino community in Bethlehem.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in their country’s colors to celebrate their heritage.
The event is free.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19
Where: PNC Plaza at SteelStacks, 711 E. First St., Bethlehem
Info: Click here.
Flag-raising for Patillas
Bethlehem officials and Latino leaders will join in a celebration of Bethlehem's sixth sister city, Patillas, Puerto Rico, at a special flag-raising ceremony.
The event will be followed by a meet-and-greet at the Cohen Room inside Bethlehem Area Public Library.
When: 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20
Where: Bethlehem Town Hall, 10 E. Church St., Bethlehem
Info: .facebook.com/people/City-of-Bethlehem/100064599705270/
Somos Amigos concert, family day at Zoellner
Grammy-award nominated Sonia De Los Santos joins American folk band The Okee Dokee Brothers for a family-fun bilingual concert that includes both old and new songs.
The Somos Amigos concert aims to unite young and old attendees to explore, dance and sing.
De Los Santos will play her jarana, leona, accordion, drums, trumpet and other traditional Mexican instruments during the show.
When: Noon, Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Zoellner Arts Center, Baker Hall, 420 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem
Tickets start at $15.
Zoellner will also hold its Family Day Fest from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a free performance by FYÜTCH and a one-year birthday party for the Zoellner Zebra.
Fiesta Unbound
As part of Touchstone Theatre's Festival Unbound, the free celebration will feature interactive art-making and performances by Herencia Jibera, led by Daniel Class and featuring traditional music from Puerto Rico (attendees are invited to bring their own instruments and play along with the band).
Safiya Hernandez, a local teen singer/songwriter, will also perform a set of original songs including her new single, "Sapphire."
When: 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6
Where: Barrio Stage, 321 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem
Info: festival-unbound-block-party/
Luis Miranda
Puerto Rican author and activist Luis Miranda will discuss his book "Relentless," where he talks about his life including the cultural influence of "Hamilton" created by his son, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.
Admission is free.
When: 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept 19
Where: Baker Hall at Zoellner Arts Center, 420 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem
Info: notations-luis-miranda-jr
Documentary screening
The Emmaus Theatre will screen the documentary, "Entre Terras" (Between Lands), that follows the story of Ana Laura, Gustavo, and Jesús, who rebuild their lives in Mexico after being deported from the U.S.
The Spanish-speaking film will feature English subtitles.
When: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23
Where: 19 S. Fourth St., Emmaus
Tickets cost $7.77
Info: Click here.
