Celebrating a day of cultural programming, live performances, and educational activities, Newark’s Museum of Arts will launch Hispanic Heritage Month with its annual community day, Fiesta Latina.
Running from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, the event is designed to highlight Latino culture from across the Americas, with a focus on Afro-Latino and indigenous traditions. The art museum will offer free admission throughout the day with access to its galleries and exhibitions.
“This year’s 5th Annual Community Day: Fiesta Latina is a celebration of all the Latinx art and creativity that thrives in Newark. We are opening up the museum for free to unite these vulnerable communities, using art, education, and music to showcase their culture and resiliency,” said Ashley Mendoza, coordinator of Community Engagement for the Newark Museum of Arts.
Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 as a week and grew to a month in 1988. It runs through the rest of September to Oct. 15 to honor the independence days of several Latin American countries.
Additional activities include hourly Latin dance lessons led by Bachata Heaven Social with four lessons between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., as well as workshops and community panels hosted by the Ironbound Community Corporation.
“We are committed to highlighting their importance and contribution to the Newark community and the arts,” Mendoza continued.
The museum is also organizing a drive to benefit the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned and dry goods to donate.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Despite ongoing construction, the main entrance of the museum remains open for visitors attending the event.
Parking is available next to the museum for a $10 fee, with entrances located on Washington Street and Central Avenue.
For a roundup of events, check out www.nj.com/mosaic.
Deion Johnson
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