Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: A Joyful Gathering of Family, Stories, and Culture
This past weekend, Book Harvest’s Family Space was alive with color, music, and the warmth of community as we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month. Surrounded by the energy of families, we were reminded of the beauty that comes from honoring the cultural traditions and stories that shape the lives of so many in our Latine community.
Family First: The Heart of the Celebration
In true Latine tradition, the central theme of this weekend's event was family, a cornerstone in the community that binds generations together. Families were invited to create their own picture frames and take a special family portrait to cherish the memory. The joy of seeing families decorating their frames and posing together for their instant printouts reminded us how important it is to hold onto these precious moments.
Families also engaged in fun craft activities, coloring flags and learning about the different countries that make up the Latine world.
Stories: A Celebration of Latine Voices
One of the most heartwarming parts of our event was our partnership with El Centro Hispano, which helped us bring stories to life that uplift Latine voices, traditions, and experiences. The children were captivated by storytime, where we shared Paletero Man/¡Que Paletero Tan Cool! by Lucky Diaz and Los plátanos son amor by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris — stories full of love, joy, and connection. These stories not only reflected the rich traditions of oral storytelling but also allowed the children to see themselves and their cultures on the pages of the books. Copies of these wonderful books were available for families to take home and keep forever.
Kat Wilson, who came with her family, said "❤️❤️ we really enjoyed being able to read books in both languages we use at home. Especially how Los plátanos son amor code switches, it’s really reminiscent of how our daughter talks. Both our kids loved listening and playing in the Book Harvest space, plus eating all the yummy pupusas!"
Food, Music, and Laughter: A True Feast for the Senses
A celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month wouldn't be complete without a tribute to the incredible food and music that so deeply represent Latine culture. Guests were treated to delicious offerings from Fonda Lupita and La Vaquita, including tacos, pupusas, rice, beans, and more. The food reflected the rich blend of indigenous, European, and African influences that have shaped Latine cuisine. As everyone enjoyed the vibrant flavors, the space filled with the sounds of music, laughter, and love — the simple yet profound acts that bring communities together.
A Celebration That Lasts Beyond the Day
Although the event has passed, the spirit of celebration continues. Our Family Space will remain adorned with the colorful art from this weekend’s festivities for the rest of Hispanic Heritage Month, and we encourage everyone to come by and experience the joy and culture for themselves. We will even be restocking popular Latine candy at our front desk for families to enjoy all month long!
At Book Harvest, we believe that every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they read and know that they belong in the communities they cherish. This celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month was a beautiful reminder of that belief, and we are so grateful to the families who joined us for this unforgettable day of love, laughter, and learning.
