North Charleston Kicks Off Its First Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – What a way to celebrate culture and community! This past weekend marked the very first Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in North Charleston, and it was nothing short of a joyous affair. Taking place from September 15 to October 15, this month honors the rich history and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans throughout the United States.
A Fun-Filled Event for All
The event was hosted at the city’s brand-new cultural arts facility, which welcomed residents and visitors alike. Best of all, admission and parking were completely free, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy. As the sun shined brightly, attendees had the chance to explore an array of food vendors offering delicious bites, browse through an art market showcasing local talent, and partake in lively salsa dancing demonstrations.
One of the highlights of the event was the performances by Gino Castillo and the Cuban Cowboys, whose music had everyone tapping their feet and swaying along. Meanwhile, the talented instructors from the Holy City Salsa Dance Studio led visitors in some spicy salsa lessons, inviting people of all ages to join in on the fun. Whether you were dancing or just enjoying the rhythm, the energy was contagious!
A Special Purpose Behind the Celebration
When asked about the inspiration behind this celebration, Kyle Lahm, the director of North Charleston’s cultural arts department, shared, “Mayor Reggie Burgess asked us to try to come up with something to celebrate our strong Latin community in North Charleston. So, with the closeness of the month coming up, we sort of came up with this event to do.”
This effort to bring the community together clearly resonated, as smiles and laughter filled the grounds. For Lahm and the team, it was a way to honor the growing Hispanic population in the area and serve as a platform to highlight their cultural contributions.
A Heartfelt Art Installation
Adding to the culturally rich atmosphere, local artist Steph Frx unveiled a stunning art piece: an ofrenda, or altar, dedicated to loved ones. Traditionally used during the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, ofrendas are beautiful symbols of remembrance and love. Frx expressed her gratitude by saying, “Honestly, I’m super honored because I’ve lived in South Carolina for ten years… it really wasn’t until I moved here to North Charleston that I really felt there was a sense of community.” Visitors are invited to admire this touching installation, which will remain on display at the Park Circle Community Building until November 2.
A Vision for the Future
Looking forward, the cultural arts department hopes this event is just the beginning. “The city is proud to be home to lots of folks from around the world, but we know we have a large population of folks from the Latin community,” Lahm remarked. “We felt it was time to do something in this beautiful space that we now manage, that would be special to them and special to the surrounding neighborhoods.”
With plans to continue organizing events that celebrate diversity and foster community connections, North Charleston is stepping firmly into a future that honors all its residents. And who wouldn’t want to be part of such a vibrant and welcoming community?
As the celebration wrapped up, it left many feeling inspired and looking forward to many more events that cater to the incredible melting pot of cultures that make North Charleston truly special.
