MAPLEWOOD / SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Hispanic Heritage Month 2021 is underway in Maplewood and South Orange, from Latin Restaurant Week and outdoor dance parties to documentary and feel-good films.
South Orange Village President Sheena Collum described the festivities as “a perfect blend of music, dance, entertainment and education as we enjoy and honor the influence and achievements of Hispanic and Latinx Americans, alongside the diverse culture and rich history they bring to the United States.”
“Latin Heritage Month is not just for one part of our community but our entire community,” Maplewood Mayor Frank McGehee said. “It is an opportunity for all of us to embrace a culture that has enriched our lives. From the Frida Kahlo documentary screening at The Woodland to book recommendations, including Carrie Gibson’s ‘El Norte,’ come out to learn and enjoy!”
Remaining Hispanic Heritage Month events in MAPSO are as follows:
- A bilingual board book giveaway will be Sunday, Oct. 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the South Orange Duck Pond. This event is hosted by the South Orange Public Library and South Orange Village.
- Author Yuyi Morales will discuss her book “Bright Star” with South Orange Public Library Director Jill Faherty at a virtual event on Friday, Oct. 8, at 1 p.m.
- HOLA Fest NJ 2021 will be Saturday, Oct. 9, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Maplewood Memorial Park Amphitheater. This party is presented by SOMA Cross Cultural Works, SACKS Orthodontics, Seton Hall University, Itsy Bitsy Dental, SOMA Families, Maplewood Department of Community Services, Maplewood Arts & Culture, and Maplewood Memorial Library.
- A “Take and Make: Tissue Paper Flowers” event will be Saturday, Oct. 9, at 3 p.m. at HOLA Fest NJ in Memorial Park while supplies last. This event is being held by Maplewood Memorial Library.
- Following HOLA Fest NJ, SOMA Cross Cultural Works and Pamela Sockwell of Keller Williams will screen Disney’s “Coco” on Oct. 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Memorial Park.
- The Maplewood Film Society, Maplewood Department of Community Services, and Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture will screen a documentary and host a discussion about Frida Kahlo on Sunday, Oct. 10, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at The Woodland, 60 Woodland Road in Maplewood. Tickets are required.
- Author Marietta Zacker will discuss her book “Allies: Real Talk About Showing Up, Screwing Up, and Trying Again” on Thursday, Sept. 14, at 5:30 p.m. outside the South Orange Public Library, 65 Scotland Road. This event is sponsored by SOPL and Words Bookstore.
- On Friday, Oct. 15, at 8 p.m., LUNAFEST will screen “A Line Birds Cannot See,” by Amy Bench, plus other films by women, at The Woodland and virtually. Tickets are required.
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