Hispanic heritage month has come and gone but for those of us hoping to keep the Latin flame burning throughout the year all is not lost. From literature to music, movies, and more, here are four ways you can celebrate the heritage of America’s Latin community throughout the year.
- Read a classic
The Americas is renowned for the many great literary artists it has produced and the Latin community is no exception. Legends like Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Isabel Allende, and Mario Vargas Llosa are just a few of the greats that have had a transformative impact on world literature. While not Hispanic, the Brazilians Clarice Lispector and Jorge Amado are two other titans of Latin literature. For something a little closer to home, there’s Julia Alvarez’s ‘In the time of Butterflies’, Luis Alberto Urrea’s ‘The Devil’s Highway’, and ‘Savage Detectives’ by the daring Roberto Bolano.
- Stream a hidden gem
People not in the know will be surprised at some of the excellent movies that have been made in Latin America. Some, such as Netflix’s Oscar-winning ‘Roma’ and the acclaimed ‘Embrace of the Serpent’ have gotten some of the limelight they deserve. But what about ‘7 Boxes’ or ‘Zama’? If your into documentaries you’re certainly in luck, with edge of your seat films such as ‘The Day That Lasted 21 Years’, ‘I Will Be Murdered’, and ‘Invasion’ has you covered.
- Explore visual art
Some of the best collections of Latin art can be found right here in the USA. From exhibits at our very own Dayton Art Institute to permanent collections at the wonderful El Museo del Barrio in Spanish Harlem, Chicago’s National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, and the Museum of Latin American Art in Los Angeles among many others.
- Travel!
As Winter sets in and things get steadily cold and dreary in Ohio, there’s no better way to warm up and experience something new than heading south of the border. From the Chihuahuan Desert to the Amazon, there are tons of places waiting to share their culture and heritage with you. Want to stay statesides? Look no further than Puerto Rico. The more adventurous literally have dozens of countries and cultures to dive into.
There’s no better time to prepare like the present and the only question is: what are you waiting for?
Ismael David Mujahid, Managing Editor