In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Orange County Government and the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County today announced a month-long celebration of cultural events that will showcase and celebrate the vibrant Hispanic community of Orange County. The festivities are made possible by the generous contribution of Duke Energy, the presenting sponsor of the 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
"Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse Hispanic culture," said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. "I encourage everyone to join us at one of the many events held throughout the month. These events offer an excellent opportunity to learn about Hispanic culture and celebrate our community's diversity.”
The celebration began on September 12 with a Proclamation and Breakfast sponsored by Zaza Cuban Café at the Orange County Administration Center. During its regularly scheduled meeting, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners will officially declare September 15-October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month.
Some of the planned events include:
The Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit, hosted at the Orange County Administration Center from October 2 - October 31, will showcase local Hispanic artists' artwork and traditional clothing from different countries. The exhibit will also feature literature written by local Hispanic authors and is open to the public and free of charge.
On September 20, an Artist Meet Up & Mingle reception will be hosted by Mathers Social Gathering to celebrate visual and literary artists who will showcase their work during Hispanic Heritage Month. The reception will feature live music and a virtual art exhibit.
The Hispanic Youth Leadership Awards Ceremony will be hosted by Rollins College at the Rice Family Pavilion on October 3. The ceremony recognizes high-achieving Hispanic youth who excel in academia, sports, and social advocacy and have made contributions to the community.
The Hispanic Heritage Month celebration will conclude with the presentation of Riqueza Latina: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Prosperity on October 11. The reception, hosted by the Winter Park Health Foundation at the Center for Health and Wellbeing, will feature live music, dance performances, and traditional food from various Hispanic countries.
For more information, contact Ilia Torres at ilia.torres@ocfl.net.
About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation's largest convention centers, and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government's social media channels.
About the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County: The Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County is an employee volunteer-led organization that seeks to promote the understanding and appreciation of Hispanicculture in Orange County. The network hosts various events throughout the year, including Hispanic Heritage Month.
Hispanic Heritage Month Cultural Event Lineup
Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation and Appreciation Breakfast
September 12, 2023: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Orange County Administration Center
201 S. Rosalind Ave.
Orlando, FL 32801
RSVP: https://bit.ly/HHMproclamation
Riqueza Latina: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Prosperity Art Exhibit
The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Exhibit Dates: October 2 – October 31, 2023
Orange County Administration Center
201 S. Rosalind Ave.
Orlando, FL 32801
Riqueza Latina: An Artist Meet Up & Mingle
September 20, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Mathers Social Gathering
30 S Magnolia Ave.
Orlando, FL 32801
RSVP: https://bit.ly/HHMArtistMeetUp
Hispanic Youth Leadership Awards
Latino Youth: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America
October 3, 2023: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Rollins College, Rice Family Pavilion
1000 Holt Ave.
Winter Park, FL 32789
This is a private reception for students and families.
Riqueza Latina: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Prosperity
October 11, 2023: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Center for Health and Wellbeing
2005 Mizell Ave
Winter Park, FL 32792
