The Hawthorn mall’s second Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Saturday drew a large crowd to the lower level of the shopping center in the H&M Court.
The event attracted returning attendees, as well as newcomers and shoppers who happened to drop in to experience the craft amenities and staged entertainment.
Bright marigold headbands and face painting were popular craft activities.
“We are excited to share all the fun and educational opportunities available through Hawthorn’s annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration,” Tia Lindholm, the mall’s marketing director, said.
With a Hispanic vendor market, crafts, art, performances, face painting and live music, the Hispanic Heritage Celebration offered, “guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture and traditions of the Hispanic people,” she said.
Hawthorn also had four Hispanic-owned businesses open in the mall this year, including Buena Vibra Plant Shop, a local houseplant dealer; JCK’s Boutique, offering dresses for special occasions; and Charly Sport and Charly Boots, featuring athletic and Western apparel.
The Hispanic Heritage Celebration was presented in partnership with Dandelion Art Gallery & Studios, NFP, Inc. and affiliates Dandelion Artist Alliance and Dandelion Art Coalition Unite. The entities serve Lake County and neighboring counties with art, culture and wellness offerings.
Deanna Cruz, founder of the Dandelion Gallery and Dandelion Art Coalition Unite, was an emcee.
“We help artists thrive in supporting community initiatives in art, culture and wellness, so this being the second-annual collaboration with Hispanic heritage was extremely important for us and the representation of all the other forms of ethnicities through the arts,” Cruz said.
Kyra Barber, representing the Dandelion Gallery, helped children make tissue-paper marigold crafts.
Education, “helps you in a lot of different areas of life,” Barber said. “It helps you live life. I think education is the top priority.”
Entertainment included Danza Folklorico Monarca of Zion.
“We represent Hispanic culture,” Noelia Miranda of Danza Folklorico Monarca said.
The dancers performed specifically Mexican dances, Miranda said.
“I’m very proud to bring my culture to the town of Vernon Hills, and showing everybody here in Hawthorn mall,” she said.
Cesar Bernal performed on trumpet with Mariachi Contreras de Abraham Bernal of Woodstock, and after the set explained why it is a privilege to share performance art.
“It’s part of us, you know?” Bernal said. “It’s really important honestly. It’s part of what we do, what we were raised from, so it’s just really important to us.”
Horacio Zavala and Sarah Zuccaro of Urbanity Dance Chicago demonstrated pair dancing and also gave line-dance lessons to participants.
“We both have a very deep love for this,“ Zuccaro said.
“I’ve been dancing pretty much all my life,” Zavala said. “It’s part of our culture.”
Gracie Traan, 4, of Norwood Park, waved a flag the youngster designed.
“We just came in happenstance today, and it’s a really nice opportunity for her to go through the little art projects,” her mother Sherry said. “She enjoys it.”
MarieLou Esquivel of Waukegan had temporary body artisan designs applied Saturday afternoon.
“A lot of people don’t realize all of the different things we have, like the food itself, it’s different,” Esquivel said.
Talking about her pride in being Hispanic, she said, “I just think it’s wonderful.”
