Plaza de las Americas Offers Cultural Celebrations for Latine/Hispanic Heritage Month

Cassandra Thomas

In celebration of Latine/Hispanic Heritage Month, the U of A will host the 19th annual Plaza de las Américas event from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Arkansas Union Mall. The event is open to the campus, media and the general public.

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

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

Organizers: WLLC Spanish Programs, Multicultural Center,  Transition Programs & Initiatives, and International Students and Scholars.
Sponsors: College of Engineering, English Department, Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, Graduate School & International Education, Honors College, International Students & Scholars, Latin American & Latino Studies, Mullins Library, Multicultural Center, Transition Programs & Initiatives, University Programs, WLLC Spanish Programs, World Languages, Literatures & Cultures Department