Capital District Latinos hosts Hispanic Heritage Month event

ALBANY — A procession carrying the flags of 20 independent nations and Puerto Rico made its way down Central Avenue on Saturday morning, kicking off Capital District Latino’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.

What followed was an afternoon of cultural celebration through food, music, dance and other performances, bringing together people of different generations to recognize the traditions and experiences these communities bring to the Capital Region.

The event came just days after the national observance concluded. Hispanic Heritage Month runs annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, recognizing the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

In remarks at the event, Mickey Jimenez, regional executive director of Capital District Latinos, emphasized the importance of inclusion and connection, in line with the day’s theme of roots that unite us.

“Today is about celebrating people, recognizing the beauty of our differences, appreciating experiences that connect us and creating opportunities for all of us to learn from one another,” Jimenez said.

Strong communities, she added, are built on respect and a sense of belonging. Events like Saturday’s celebration are designed to reinforce the importance of ensuring people feel valued for who they are and what they contribute.

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.”