Capital District Latinos hosts Hispanic Heritage Month event

In the main room of the Capital District Latinos building, where maps of each Latin American country line the walls, performers took the stage. Young children sat in the front row as the performances began with Corazón Latino, a folkloric dance group. The art form uses dance to tell the stories of a region’s history and daily life.

As the afternoon went on, similar demonstrations of cultural traditions unfolded. This included interactive musical performances and an appearance from the local artist La Hija del Milagro, or “The daughter of the miracle.” Venezuelan comedian Laura Bolívar also performed a set, and near the end of the afternoon, a traditional Mexican grito contest was held, in which individuals let out a spirited shout in one breath. Attendees also ate together and gathered for a ceremony honoring the recipients of the Abrazo Latino Award.

Together, the activities aimed to highlight the depth and diversity of Latino and Hispanic cultures across the Capital Region. That celebration reflects the broader mission of Capital District Latinos, which serves a community of more than 10,000 people.

In addition to cultural events, the organization regularly hosts mental health workshops and food programs, connecting community members with essential resources and support. Saturday’s event provided an opportunity for other organizations offering specialized services to connect with attendees and strengthen their presence in the community.

For Jimenez, the event was ultimately a celebration of the resilience that unites these communities.

“Hispanic heritage is woven into the fabric of our communities,” Jimenez said. “It is reflected in our culture, our music, our food, our traditions, entrepreneurship, and most importantly, the strength and spirit of our people.”