According to Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Board Member/Hispanic Heritage Celebration (HHC) Chair Mario Quintanilla,
“The Dallas Arboretum is excited to present the fourth annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Saturday, September 4, and Sunday, September 5, a wonderful way to spend the Labor Day weekend. There will be live musical performances including Havana NRG and Tejano star Gary Hobbs, cooking demonstrations, food, vendors and a National Geographic Explorer. The event is free for all paid garden guests, and advanced online ticket reservations are required.
“To kick off the festival, on Saturday, September 4, at 10 a.m. in the Jonsson Color Garden, the garden will host a celebration of Quinceañera fashion and culture, where selected participants showcase their beautiful and colorful quinceañera dresses and share their favorite traditions and future plans. Afterwards, led by a mariachi band, the young ladies parade through the garden allowing even more guests to see their dresses.
“The celebration of Quinceañera fashion and culture is a way to honor the many beautiful young women who often take their quinceañera photos in our garden. We welcome the community to learn about our heritage and traditions in one of the most beautiful places in the city. Special guest Gloria Rinconi, Miss Dallas Latina 2021, joins us to welcome the young ladies.
“On Saturday at 2:30 p.m., the popular Latin band, Havana NRG, performs. Earlier in the day, Daniel Rodriguez and Manzanilla Flamenca both showcase their musical and dance prowess, respectively. On Sunday, the Peruvian dancers demonstrate native dances, and then at 2 p.m., Tejano star Gary Hobbs takes the stage to close out the festivities.
“For those wanting to shop and to support our local small businesses, more than 25 Hispanic-owned vendors sell their wares—from clothing to household goods, décor and of course, delicious food. We also host cooking demonstrations in A Tasteful Place with a nod to Hispanic cuisine. Be sure to bring your wallet and your appetite!
“On Sunday, September 5 from 10 a.m. to noon, we welcome a special guest. National Geographic Explorer Andrés Ruzo joins us in the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden Exploration Center. He is bringing a 20-foot Anaconda skin for viewing and provides autographs. For those interested, we are playing his compelling TED Talk about the Boiling River Project he is leading in the Amazon in our OmniGlobe theatre room.
“Bonus! The weekend, Sept. 4-6, is also a Kelley Family Weekend, so visitors receive free admission to the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, thanks to this family’s generous support.
“In addition to myself as the HHC chair, additional members planning the celebration include Megan Ames, Maria Gomez, Salma Gottfried, Tatiana Higdon, Ben Leal, Rafael Luna, Regina Montoya, Victor Ornelas, Mary Silva and Aura Vasquez.
“A special thanks to the sponsors: Arredondo Zepeda and Brunz Inc.; Assured Comfort Services; Azteca-Omega Group; Belmar Integrated Logistics; Dallas College; Frost Bank; Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; HOLA DFW, H100 Latina Giving Circle at Texas Women’s Foundation; Linebarger Goggan Blair and Sampson LLP; Link America, Inc.; Lira Bravo Law, LLC; Orenstein Law Group; Phillips/May Corporation; Regional Hispanic Contractors Association; Silva, Mejia and Delgado; VisitDallas and KXTX Telemundo 39.
“Finally, we have an Honorary Council that reads like a who’s who in the city and state. We are so thankful and grateful that they’ve let us use their names to promote this cultural event that is for everyone who wants to learn more about the Hispanic community and our traditions. You can read the list here along with a complete list of events and times: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/hispanic-heritage-celebration/”
* Photo provided by Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
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