Top Ways To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month In South Florida

Hispanic Heritage month is September 15 through October 15 and while the odd date might jar you, this pseudo month is jam-packed with fun activities. Thanks to South Florida's high Hispanic population, it is the ideal setting for all facets of the community to showcase their pride. There are a variety of events planned from family-oriented parties to student-led festivities that provide infotainment to the masses. So browse the list and select the best way for you to represent your native land.

University of Miami
Hecht/Standford Bridge
5604 Merrick Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33146
(305) 284-2855
www.sarc.miami.edu

Date: Starts Oct. 1, 2014 at 7 p.m.

The University of Miami kicks off its celebration with a nighttime opening ceremony on October 1, 2014. Then a list of events to educate and entertain students about the Hispanic culture ensues. Last year's events included salsa dancing, Latin food, a movie screening and a volunteer opportunity. This year, you can expect the same of mixture of fun, food, culture and service that has become a staple of this event. Check the website for event dates and times.

9th Annual Heat Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Louise O. Gerrits Theater
25 N.E. 2nd St.
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 237-3135
www.nba.com

Date: Oct., 2014

The Miami Heat have always had a charitable side and this year marks the return of the annual Heat Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. It's a full day of family-oriented activities featuring appearances by Miami Heat players, dancers and staff. The Xtreme Team and Bernie the Mascot even stop by for a visit to entertain young Heat fans and aspiring basketball players. See the website for pricing information.

Celebrate Orgullo
Miami Beach
73rd St. and Collins Ave.
Miami, FL 33139
(786) 271-6982
www.celebrateorgullo.com

Date: Oct. 4, 2014

Miami has a diverse populous so naturally, it would have a celebration that caters to two cultural powerhouses. Celebrate Orgullo is for LGBT and Hispanic communities and features a day full of music, food, art and dancing. The event was established in 2011 by the Unity Coalition and has since grown to 6,500 attendees that take over Miami Beach for one day. Browse through rows of vendors or catch a movie screening. The event last until 8 p.m. and promises to be a blast.

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(Source: www.northmiamifl.gov )
City of North Miami
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
770 N.E. 125th St.
North Miami, FL 33161
(305) 893-6511
www.northmiamifl.gov

Date: Through Oct. 11, 2014

Technically, the City of North Miami's Hispanic Heritage Celebration kicks off on September 9, but there are still plenty of events left to attend. The month-long celebration includes a night of film and art commemorating artist Ana Mendieta, a game of dominoes with a cup of Cuban coffee, storytime for the kids and smooth jazz sounds with a Latin spin. Event locations and prices vary, so check the website for more details. With so many diverse events, there is no excuse not to attend.

Hispanic Heritage Festival
North Shore Park
501 72nd St.
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305) 861-3616
www.miamibeachfl.gov

Date: Oct. 10, 2014

The lush green grass and many paved walkways against the backdrop of the beach is the perfect setting to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Children have plenty of room to run, carnival rides to explore or games of soccer to play. Adults can also get their game on in a dominoes match and everyone can dine on traditional Latin food at the concession stands. Music, dancing and skits will also be available to lighten the mood. The event is mostly free, save for the carnival rides and concessions.

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Niema Hulin was born in Newark, NJ but raised in Lexington, South Carolina for the bulk of her formative years. In 2002, she moved to Miami after graduating from the University of Florida. Since then, Niema has worked in film, television and commercials as a Production Assistant and Production Coordinator. Some of her films have included Bad Boys II and I Am Number IV. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.