The Austin Public Library celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month Sunday, hosting various events throughout the day. Attendees at the APL’s Central Library location enjoyed arts and crafts, traditional food and live music.
The celebration was designed to “enlighten and empower” the Austin community through “rich cultural experiences,” according to the library’s website.
Hispanic Heritage Month, first observed in 1968, celebrates the contributions and impact of Hispanic culture and history on the United States. During Sunday’s event, the Austin Public Library highlighted specific elements of Hispanic culture through art, food, literature and more.
Organizers arranged numerous exhibits throughout the library’s six floors. Among them were a live cooking demonstration on mini-tacos and a talk by local Austin acrylic painter Luis Coss. Coss’ canvases were visible all over the library’s walls, many of which depict symbols and figures of pre-Hispanic mythology.
The library also collaborated with the local Mexic-Arte Museum to bring attendees an interactive arts and crafts exhibit. Mexic-Arte educator Alé Moreno, who worked the exhibit, helped participants construct paper marigolds and try screen printing. Moreno said she hoped the exhibit helped the youth see art as a viable career.
“I didn’t grow up with these kinds of programs, so I think it’s really cool to be able to give kids the power and the knowledge to know how to make their own wearable art,” Moreno said.
Rounding out the afternoon, local Latin folk musician Javier Jara performed a collection of original songs and covers. Jara, who was born in Ecuador, sang songs influenced by styles from across Latin America.
Hispanic Heritage Month continues through the end of the month, ending on Oct. 15.
