Plaza de las Americas Offers Interactive Learning, Cultural Celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month

Photo Submitted

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage/Latine Month, the U of A will host the 18th annual Plaza de las Americas event from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Arkansas Union Mall. The event is open to the campus, media and the general public.

Plaza de las Americas celebrates Latin American and Spanish-speaking cultures in Arkansas. During the event, U of A international and US students will share music, dancing, food and more from their home countries. Guests are invited to take bachata dancing lessons, have conversations in Spanish at "the tertulia" tables and enjoy performances of music and dance. 

This cultural and educational event offers campus and community members an opportunity to learn about the rich heritage and diverse cultures of over 20 countries, many of which are an increasingly important part of our culture in the United States.

Country tables will open the event from 4-5 p.m. Participants can meet students, scholars and community members who are from or visited these Latin American and Spanish speaking countries. They also can practice their Spanish at "tertulia" tables, as well as visit booths representing university registered student organizations, departments and programs.   

Music and performances will be held from 5-6 p.m. and will include performances and end with Baile, a small dance party that will allow attendees to learn how to dance Bachata, a traditional dance from the Dominican Republic. 

Plaza de las Americas has been a celebration of the community in Northwest Arkansas since 2005. It is one of many Hispanic Heritage & Latine Month events taking place throughout the area.

Thank you for everyone who made Plaza de las Americas possible — students, faculty, staff and community members.

Organizers: Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures; La Oficina Latina; New Student and Family Programs; and International Students and Scholars.
Sponsors: Multicultural Center, Latin American and Latino Studies, Latino Alumni Society, University Housing, Graduate School and International Education, Honors College, College of Engineering, Fulbright College, English Department, Associated Student Government and University Programs.