Mayor Dixon Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Baltimore, MD – Mayor Sheila Dixon was joined by elected officials and community leaders at a reception in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.  Local music, food and art were displayed throughout the first floor of City Hall.

“We are fortunate to have a growing Hispanic community in Baltimore comprised of families that have relocated here from countries throughout Latin, Central and South America,” said Mayor Dixon.  “As this community grows, we must fulfill our responsibility to serving the needs of our new residents and ensuring that the voice of the community is heard.”

Hispanic Heritage Month occurs annually from September 15 to October 15.  The month celebrates the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.  In addition, September also marks Independence Day celebrations for both Mexico and Chile. The observation started by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under 1988 to cover a 31-day period on October 15.

This is the second year that Mayor Dixon hosted a reception for Hispanic and Latino residents, community leaders and business owners in Baltimore.  Refreshments were provided by local Latino restaurants.  Entertainment is being provided by a live mariachi band and the youth ministry of Palabra Viva Ministries from Essex, Maryland.

Hispanic Heritage Month honors the cultural diversity and richness of all Hispanic Americans whose parents or forebears come from any of 20 different Spanish-speaking countries.