Osceola County News - Hispanic Heritage

Osceola County, Florida – To kick off its annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Osceola County held an event that focused on the culture of the Caribbean, specifically: Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

The Celebration at Osceola Heritage Park will emphasized the music and dances of those Caribbean cultures. There was live music from 1+Q’Otro and Plena Mar Latino.

Puerto Rican classical pianist, director, musical producer and philanthropist, Adlan Cruz, was recognized at the event.

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30-day period.