Highlights from Valley Stream Hispanic Heritage Month 2023

Valley Stream trumpeted the arrival of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration that spotlights the rich range of cultures and histories of Hispanic Americans in the United States. The timing of the celebration, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, pointedly shares calendar space with the national independence days of seven Latin American countries. 

In Nassau County and other parts of the nation, Hispanic American contributions and influences continue to figure prominently in public life. The village of Valley Stream is by no means a stranger to this fact, where nearly a quarter of its residents are Hispanic or Latino, according to the latest census data.

“We are a large piece of the fabric of our amazing Valley Stream community and wanted to share our rich roots with all,” said Milagros Vicente, Valley Stream Central High School District Board of Education President and co-founder of the Valley Stream Latino Society.

In partnership with the village of Valley Stream, the Valley Stream Latino Society hosted an inaugural Valley Stream Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at the Bandshell on Sept 16. It was a fine showing of musical artistry, dance, poetry, and education made possible through the help of various community and Latino-based organizations.

The event featured music from XOXO Entertainment and hosted author, poet, educator, and artist Adriana Devers of Cuentos de Triadas who fashioned artwork for children. The party was capped off with Danza Famila Latina cultural dances and merengue and bachata performances by El Principe Javier de Tanares, Santo Domingo. To continue the celebratory spirit, the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library will be featuring Hispanic Heritage-themed art exhibitions, crafts, film showings, and author readings throughout September and October. For more information, contact Library Director Mamie Eng at (516) 825-6422 or send an email to hwmlcontact@hotmail.com.

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