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Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.Observed annually, Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month runs Sept. 15 through Oct.15 and celebrates the lasting contributions of Americans whose ancestry can be traced to over 20 countries in Latin America, including Mexico, Central and South America and islands of the Caribbean.
From a night of salsa music to a lively street festival, here are just some of the activities commemorating the month on the Pittsburgh campus and surrounding communities.
See the full list of Pitt-sponsored events here.
Groove to the sounds of salsa
Saturday, Sept. 17, 9 p.m.
Armando Davalillo and Jesus Alberto Ochoa, former stars of Adolescentes — one of Venezuela's best-loved salsa groups — will grace Pittsburgh with their high-profile rhythm and flow.
Where: Marisquería Insomnia y Discotec, 810 Brookline Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA, 15226
Tickets: start at $30
Create a cartonera
Monday, Sept. 19, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Originating in Buenos Aires, cartonera books are handmade with recycled materials. These tomes are created in the spirit of collectivism and are a means of putting the power of the press in anyone’s hands. This event, sponsored by Pitt’s Center for Latin American Studies and the University Library System, challenges makers to combine craft, creativity and storytelling.
Where: The Workshop, Center for Creativity, 4000 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213
Tickets: free with a reservation
See Haiti through the eyes of a deportee
Thursday, Sept. 22, 6 p.m.
Join local nonprofit Haiti Friends and Pitt’s Department of Africana Studies in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences for a screening of the documentary, “Deported.” The film follows the lives of legal Haitian immigrants who find themselves sent back to their birth country, a place they barely remember, after dealings in the U.S. criminal justice system.
Where: Frick Fine Arts Building, 650 Schenley Dr., Pittsburgh, PA, 15260
Tickets: suggested $15 donation
Honor a hometown hero
Thursday, Sept. 22, 6:30 p.m.
The Pittsburgh Pirates give homage to beloved former player Roberto Clemente at their game against the Chicago Cubs.
The team’s pre-game ceremony commemorates Clemente’s athletic and humanitarian achievements and marks the 50th anniversary of his death.
Where: PNC Park, 115 Federal St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15212
Tickets: Tickets start at $20, with group discounts available. Tickets include a limited-edition Heritage baseball cap and a $5 gift card applicable for merchandise, food and drink purchases.
Get festive
Saturday, Oct. 15, 2-8 p.m.
Cap off Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month with the 40th annual Latin American and Caribbean Festival, billed as one of the largest gatherings of Latinos in Western Pennsylvania.
The festival, sponsored by Pitt’s Center for Latin American Studies showcases a kaleidoscope of Latin American and Caribbean music ensembles, cuisine, dance arts and crafts.
Where: Wesley W. Posvar Hall Patio, 230 S. Bouquet St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213
Tickets: this is an unticketed event
— Nichole Faina, photography by Aimee Obidzinski