Hispanic Heritage Month 2021 with AARP Texas

Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month to honor the culture and contributions of Hispanics and Latino Americans and to celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries.

During this month in 2021, AARP Texas and community partners will host events that aim to share history, heritage and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of past and present.

The events are free, virtual and open to the public. Mark this page and return here. We will update this page with information about Hispanic Heritage Month happenings that AARP Texas is hosting in conjunction with partners throughout the state. Registration links will be provided as they become available.

Austin

The following events are organized in conjunction with partner organizations in Austin.

Sept. 16, 7 p.m. -- AARP Texas Movie Night. View a screening of "Selena," which stars Jennifer Lopez. Register at: https://aarp.cvent.com/selena_TX0916

Oct. 2, 7 p.m. -- AARP Texas Movie Night. View a screening of "COCO" In this Disney/Pixar production, a young Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician. An extraordinary journey transpires to unlock the story of Miguel's family history.
Register at: https://aarp.cvent.com/Coco_TX1012

Dallas-Fort Worth

The following events are organized in conjunction with partner organizations in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Celebrating Mexico:

Sept. 13, Noon -- Video Introduction To Mexico
An intro video about Mexico and why we celebrate Mexican Independence Day (Sept. 16). Register at: https://forms.gle/uTqC2qtW7U2Z3AKT8

Sept. 14, 4 p.m. -- Culinary Tuesday, Chiles en Nogada
Learn how to make Chiles en Nogada. This festive dish is typically served in September to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. The colors of the dish resemble the colors of the Mexican flag: green, white and red.
Register at: https://aarp.cvent.com/c/calendar/6c2ec7d8-1830-4196-8598-a134896dbf5d

Sept. 16 -- Folk Tale Wednesday. The Princess and the Warrior: A tale of two volcanoes by Duncan Tonatiuh.
Artists will share folktales from Mexico. Register at: https://forms.gle/cnZdu3rud4eRRSdcA

Sept. 18, 2 p.m. -- Folklorico Community Class
An all-levels 30- to 45-minute dance class. Register at: https://forms.gle/Z39a9xRFBJ2m5YuB8

Celebrating Colombia:

Sept. 20, Noon -- Video Introduction to Colombia
A short video describing the culture, history and highlights of Colombia. Register at: https://forms.gle/uTqC2qtW7U2Z3AKT8

Sept. 21, 4 p.m. -- Culinary Tuesday: Colombian Chicken Sancocho
Sancocho is a hearty soup and traditional dish in the region of Antioquia, Colombia that combines potatoes, yuca, corn, plantains and meat.
Register at: https://aarp.cvent.com/c/calendar/6c2ec7d8-1830-4196-8598-a134896dbf5d

Sept. 22, 8 p.m. -- Folk Tale Wednesday
Artists will share folk tales from Colombia. Listen to the folk tale of "Waiting for BiblioBurro," a tale originated from Colombia. Register at: https://forms.gle/cnZdu3rud4eRRSdcA

Sept. 23, 2 p.m. -- Crafty Thursday
Panpipes are traditional instruments in Central and South America. Students can make panpipes from straws. Join us for a AARP Texas Facebook Live event. Register at: http://aarp.cvent.com/CT_LAAARP

Sept. 25, 2 p.m. -- Introduction to Folklorico: Cumbia Intro Class
An all-levels, 30- to 45-minute dance class. Register at: https://forms.gle/Z39a9xRFBJ2m5YuB8


Celebrating Guatemala:

Sept. 27, Noon -- Video Introduction to Guatemala
A short video describing the culture, history and highlights of Guatemala (In English and Spanish). Register at: https://forms.gle/uTqC2qtW7U2Z3AKT8

Sept. 28, 4 p.m. -- Culinary Tuesday: Rellenitos de Platano
Rellenitos de platano is a traditional Guatemalan dessert made with mashed plantains and filled with sweet black beans. Sometimes, they are mixed with Mexican chocolate.
Register at: https://aarp.cvent.com/c/calendar/6c2ec7d8-1830-4196-8598-a134896dbf5d


Sept. 29, 8 p.m. -- Folk Tale Wednesday
Artists will share folk tales from Guatemala. Register at: https://forms.gle/cnZdu3rud4eRRSdcA

Sept. 30, 2 p.m. -- Crafty Thursday
Learn to make Amate paper art. Join us for an AARP Texas Facebook Live. Register at: http://aarp.cvent.com/CT_LAAARP

Oct. 2, 2 p.m. -- Intro to Folklorico
An all-levels, 30- to 45-minute dance class. Participants will learn folk steps from Guatemala, and will also hear about the history and clothing related to the dance. Register at: https://forms.gle/Z39a9xRFBJ2m5YuB8


Celebrating Chile

Oct. 4, Noon -- Video Introduction to Chile
A short video describing the culture, history and highlights of Chile. Register at: https://forms.gle/uTqC2qtW7U2Z3AKT8

Oct. 5, 4 p.m. -- Culinary Tuesday: Chilean Beef Stew
Chilean Estofado Beef Stew, commonly known as "Cazuela," is a traditional dish made on the stove in Chile.
Register at: https://aarp.cvent.com/c/calendar/6c2ec7d8-1830-4196-8598-a134896dbf5d

Oct. 6, 8 p.m. -- Folk Tale Wednesday
Artists will share the story of Pablo Neruda, a Chilean poet known for his 100 Love Sonnets. Register at: https://forms.gle/cnZdu3rud4eRRSdcA

Oct. 7, 5 p.m. -- Poetry writing workshop inspired by Pablo Neruda. Register at: https://forms.gle/sHcm2UjsfVUQGqMG6

Oct. 9, 2 p.m. -- Intro to Folklorico
An all levels, 30- to 45-minute dance class. Participants will learn folk steps from Chilean Folklorico and will also hear about the history and clothing surrounding the dance.
Register at: https://forms.gle/Z39a9xRFBJ2m5YuB8


Celebrating Cuba

Oct. 11, Noon -- Video Introduction to Cuba
A short video describing the culture, history and highlights of Cuba. Register at: https://forms.gle/uTqC2qtW7U2Z3AKT8

Oct. 12, 4 p.m. -- Culinary Tuesday: Spicy Cuban Mojo Chicken
Spicy Cuban Mojo Chicken with Mango-Avacado Salsa excites a chicken dinner with the sweetness of mango.
Register at: https://aarp.cvent.com/c/calendar/6c2ec7d8-1830-4196-8598-a134896dbf5d

Oct. 13, 8 p.m. -- Folk Tale Wednesday
Artists will share folk tales from Cuba, including "Martina the beautiful cockroach." Register at: https://forms.gle/cnZdu3rud4eRRSdcA

Oct. 14, 3 p.m. -- Crafty Thursday: Ruffled Shaker
Ruffled shakers are of traditional color and design. Called Tumbadoras, the single-head Cuban drums originated from Makuta drums in the Congo. Join us for this AARP Texas Facebook Live event. Register at: http://aarp.cvent.com/CT_LAAARP


Oct. 16, 2 p.m. -- Intro to Folklorico
An all levels, 30- to 45-minute dance class. Participants will learn folk steps from Mambo and will also hear about the history and clothing surrounding the dance. Register at: https://forms.gle/Z39a9xRFBJ2m5YuB8


ZUMBA GOLD CLASSES
Join AARP Texas and the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico (ANMBF) for a free-and-easy guided online Zumba Gold series.

TRADITIONS OF MEXICO FOLKLORICO DANCE SERIES

Houston

The following events are organized in conjunction with partner organizations in Houston.

Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. -- El Grito: Miller Outdoor featuring the Pasatono Orchestra
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with the stirring Grito ceremony followed by a rousing performance by the Posatono Orchestra. Pasatono has focused its interest and dedication to research, perform, compose and promote of the musical Mixtec culture. After a long journey of many years of exploration throughout the states of Guerrero, Puebla, Oaxaca and the transnational community, Pasatono has been nourished by the guardians of the cloud people’s music “living treasures”: luthiers, bass players, banjo players, violinists, composers, among others who possess a great knowledge of their musical culture. Register at https://aarp.cvent.com/TX-915-ElGrito.

Sept. 17, noon - 1 p.m. Retablo Making Workshop
Most commonly found throughout the states of western Mexico, retablos are small colorful paintings on sheets of tin made primarily by self-taught artists and used by people as offerings of devotion and gratitude. Join MECA in a virtual workshop to make your own. Register at https://aarp.cvent.com/TX-917-Retablo.

Sept. 24 & Oct. 1, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. – Animal-loving Webinar Series featuring Sylvia Casares

Join us for an animal-loving webinar series and learn how to adopt a pet with Best Friends Animal Society or a participating animal shelter in the greater Houston area. Pets provide happiness, comfort and purpose. Register today at bestfriends.org/aarp or call 1-877-926-8300.

Únete a nosotros para una serie de seminarios web sobre el amor a los animales y aprenda cómo adopte una mascota con Best Friends Animal Society o un albergue de animales participante en el área metropolitana de Houston. Las mascotas brindan felicidad, comodidad y propósito. Regístrese hoy en bestfriends.org/aarp o llame al 1-877-926-8300.

Register for the Sept. 24 event at https://aarp.cvent.com/TX-924-Pets
Register for the Oct. 1 event at https://aarp.cvent.com/TX-1001-Pets

Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. -- Military/Veteran Fall Family Movie Night
Veteran family community, come out for this Fall family movie night. Join Combined Arms & AARP as we enjoy the Disney/Pixar film, COCO, under the stars. Your family will have its own 8x8 space for lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, and fun.
***This event is 100% free!!!***
Register: https://p2p.onecause.com/familymovienighthou2021

Sept. 29, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. -- En Vivo Contigo: Latin Groove concert with Nano Silva
This is a presentation by Nano Silva, a talented singer and songwriter. Enjoy Latin music and beautiful melodies with the rhythm of bagpipes, salsa, Latin groove and many more musical surprises that proudly represent the Hispanic culture. Register at https://aarp.cvent.com/TX-929-Groove.

Sept. 30, 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. -- How to make mole
Join MECA for this cooking class to make a delicious traditional mole in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Sept. 30, 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. -- Latin Culinary Pop-up discount
AARP Member discount to attend IHC Culinary Pop-Up featuring Latin Chefs.

Oct. 1, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. -- Guided Nature Wellness Walk
Take a guided tour of the 132 acre gardens as you explore nature and get wellness tips. Join us as in exercising your mind and body.  LIMITED SLOTS

Oct. 2, 10 a.m. - noon -- Using Garden Herbs to Make Salsa
Learn how to use herbs from your own garden to make your favorite salsas. Tour the Houston Botanic Garden to learn how to grow these herbs and cook your salsa from home.  LIMITED SLOTS

Oct. 5, 10 a.m. -- Latinx Artists Aim to Inspire with Unique Exhibit
Houston Lantinx artists take center stage during the juried exhibition titled Withstand. The virtual event explores themes of social justice and human rights and strives to inspire conversations about issues that impact the community, and ultimately empowers social change through art. Artists must select works that reflect these themes literally or metaphorically. This tour runs approximately 30 minutes, but can be adjusted to fit your schedule. Register at https://aarp.cvent.com/TX-1005-Latinx.

Oct. 6, 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. -- En Vivo Contigo: Let's talk Tequila
Join our Tequila 101 class. We will have a special guest who will teach us how fun and versatile tequila can be! Register at https://aarp.cvent.com/TX-1006-Tequila.

Oct. 11, 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. -- VIRTUAL: Using Garden Herbs to Make Salsa Learn how to use herbs from your own garden to make your favorite salsas. Tour the Houston Botanic Garden to learn how to grow these herbs and cook your salsa from home.  Register at https://aarp.cvent.com/TX-1011-Salsa.

Oct. 14, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. -- Flower Arranging for Fall & Hispanic Heritage Month
Get in the Fall spirit in this fun class to make festive floral arrangements to make your home or space more beautiful or gift to a special friend! LIMITED SLOTS Register: https://aarp.cventevents.com/TX-1014-Flower

Oct. 15, noon - 1 p.m. -- Learn to make an altar
Learn about Día de los Muertos and the basics of altar making. Adults, children and families can create and decorate their own portable altar to honor their loved ones at home.

Oct. 16, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. -- Guided Nature Wellness Walk
Take a guided tour of the 132 acre gardens as you explore nature and get wellness tips. Join us as in exercising your mind and body.  LIMITED SLOTS Register: https://aarp.cventevents.com/TX-1016-Walk

Oct. 16, 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. -- AARP Texas presents Live the East End Street Fest
Get into the rhythm with AARP in Houston as we bring you the East End Street Fest on Saturday, October 16. Join us for this 3-hour virtual event complete with music and art. This year’s list of Latino artists includes headliner Zenteno Spirit and their mix of jazz, Latin, funked-up fusion, and rock and roll. Honored this year is East End legend, Norma Zenteno. Other artists on the bill include four-time Grammy award-winner David de la Garza. So, sit back and enjoy this musical event all from the comfort of your home. Register at https://aarp.cvent.com/TX-1016-EastE.

Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. -- Dia de la Hispanidad
The Day of the Hispanic World – Dia de la Hispanidad celebrates its 35th annual dance and music program at Miller Outdoor Theatre by presenting a tribute to the cultural beauty and treasures of Venezuela.  Talented musicians, vocalists, and Danmar Academy of Performing Art’ dancers will delight audiences with 13 folkloric scenes of this colorful country. Attend in person or virtual.

Oct. 21, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. -- VIRTUAL: Flower Arranging for Fall & Hispanic Heritage Month
Get in the Fall spirit in this fun class to make festive floral arrangements to make your home or space more beautiful or gift to a special friend.

Oct. 30 – Oct. 31, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. -- Dia de los Muertos Festival
Join MECA’s Día De Los Muertos two-day festival featuring the elements of Día de los Muertos celebrations throughout Latin America, with an altar exhibit, foods from the Americas, vendors selling authentic Latin American arts and crafts, and performances by local musicians and dance companies. 

Rio Grande Valley

The following events are organized in conjunction with partner organizations in the Rio Grande Valley.

Sept. 21, 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. -- Facebook Live: Tracing Your Family History with Guest Mary Torres, Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Genealogical Society
Have you thought about creating your family tree, but just didn’t know where to start? We have invited Mary Torres from the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Genealogical Society to discuss ways to get started, tools, websites, and guides to discover your family history. So come and join us virtually on Facebook for this informative and intruiging way of getting to understand where you came from and dig deep into your family roots.

Sept. 30 – Nov. 4, -- Gardening 101
Want to learn how to sustain and grow fruits and vegetables? AARP has partnered with the Brownsville Wellness Coalition to provide a virtual introduction to food gardening. This series is a comprehensive, hands-on, bilingual gardening education program in the Brownsville area.

Led by trained facilitators, the gardening class series is unique because it provides resources, teaches multiple techniques, promotes sustainability and healthy lifestyles. The idea is to teach gardening that is affordable and accessible to everyone.  

Healthy Cooking at Cocina Alegre - Happy Kitchen
Do you want to eat healthily but don't know how to start? Join the Happy Kitchen/Cocina Alegre Virtual Cooking class, where you can learn about good nutrition for you and your family. Learn how you can get the most food for your money and how to use local, seasonal produce in your cooking, all from the comfort of your own home.

AARP's Guide to Brownsville's History
AARP Texas will take you on a virtual journey of Brownsville's history and how some areas shaped that South Texas community. This series of Hispanic Heritage Month videos allow you to travel into time without leaving your home.

Sept. 30, 10 a.m. -- Live Tele-Town Hall: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Join our live TeleTown Hall discussion on grandparents raising grandchildren. More than 2.6 million children in the U.S. are being raised by grandparents, other relatives, or close family friends. While it can be gratifying for an older adult to take on the responsibility of raising a child, many challenges arise. However, regardless of how they come together, many face similar difficulties, such as navigating the welfare system, establishing legal guardianship, and moving past trauma. 
Register here for this free event: https://vekeo.com/aarptexas/#event-35814

Oct. 6, Noon -- Facebook Live: Conversation with Dr. Tony Zavaleta, author of Curandero Hispanic Ethno-psychotherapy & Curanderismo: Treating Hispanic Mental Health in the 21st Century
Dr. Tony Zavaleta, a Brownsville resident, is an author, anthropologist, and internationally renowned authority on the U.S.-Mexico border. His new book, Curandero: Treating Hispanic Mental Health in the 21st Century, introduces lay and professional readers to curanderismo and psychotherapy. He introduces the importance of culture in treating Hispanic/LatinX populations. And in doing so, Dr. Zavaleta demonstrates that the beliefs, practices, procedures, and intentions of curanderos and psychotherapists are more alike than dissimilar. Register here https://aarp.cvent.com/d/7mqdrh/

Oct. 7, 1:30 p.m. -- Virtual tour of Costumes of America Museum
Take a virtual tour of the Costumes of the Americas Museum. Bessie Kirkland Johnson moved to Brownsville in the early 1930s and brought with her a love for Mexico. She brought with her a collection of authentic Mexican dresses and handicrafts. Johnson founded the 5th Pan American Round Table in Brownsville in 1932. The museum is dedicated to appreciating and preserving the history and cultural heritage embodied by the largest collections of authentic North, Central, and South American costumes. Register here https://aarp.cvent.com/d/tmqdrm/

Oct. 13, 1 p.m. -- SpaceX through a former teacher's eyes
What turned out to be a fascination with SpaceX has now transformed into a passion. Retired Brownsville school teacher Daniel Sanchez uses his frequent trips to Brownsville's Boca Chica beach to document SpaceX's progress in building a prototype rocket called Starship; It's a way to distract himself from his cancer situation. Sanchez was diagnosed with a rare form of appendix cancer in 2018. But, he doesn't let his cancer diagnosis stop him from doing what he loves. Sanchez will unveil a few of his favorite Starship photos. Register here https://aarp.cvent.com/d/fmqdrp/

San Antonio

The following events are organized in conjunction with partner organizations in San Antonio.

Sept. 27 – Oct. 3, All Day -- Conjunto Blues screening Join us for an online screening of Conjunto Blues, a one-person show that explores the social and historical conditions that led to the development of conjunto music written and performed by Nicolás R. Valdez and directed by Joel C. Settles. Register at: https://aarp.cvent.com/d/kmq3cr/

Sept. 30, 6 – 7:30 p.m. –  Conjunto Post-show Q&A – Nicolás Valdez leads a Conjunto Blues post show question-and-answer session via Zoom where participants can share their own personal stories and memories of how this music has been a part of their lives. Register at: https://aarp.cvent.com/d/bmq3cv/  

Oct. 1, 8 p.m. -- Celebrando 30 Años with the Guadalupe Dance Company -- Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Guadalupe Dance Company with a virtual live performance of Mariachi music and Mexican Folklorico dance. Register at: https://web.cvent.com/event/677b9c91-b68e-4e2a-af58-140235abdf4d/summary

Oct. 2, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Celebrando con AARP – Celebrate the Latino community and groove to Tejano and conjunto music, featuring artists such as David Farias, Street Talk Band, Chente Barrera, and Los Texmaniacs. Also learn about age-friendly initiatives in San Antonio including housing, transportation, health care, work force development, and social engagement. Register at: https://aarp.cvent.com/Celebrando2021

Oct. 3, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – The Origins of Conjunto Music – Conjunto Blues writer and performer Nicolás R. Valdez leads a one-hour-long conversation about conjunto music and its impact on Latino culture, as well as its origins and evolution. Register at: https://aarp.cvent.com/d/vmq3c5/

Oct. 5, 6:30 p.m. -- Exercise and Latin Music, Noche de Cumbia -- Join AARP and MIXFIT for a series of Zumba classes with a twist! Every session will incorporate popular Latin music including Tejano, salsa, bachata, cumbia and more! Classes will take place via Zoom. Register at: https://local.aarp.org/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-exercise-and-latin-music-noche-de-cumbia-zumba-san-antonio-tx-100521-xzn7lss7jwn.html

Oct. 7, 7 p.m. -- Conversation with writer, poet, performer and artist Sandra Cisneros
Sandra Cisneros is a poet, short story writer, novelist, essayist, performer, and artist whose work explores the lives of the working-class. Her classic, coming-of-age novel, The House on Mango Street, has sold over six million copies, has been translated into 25 languages, and is required reading in elementary, high school, and universities across the nation.
Register at: https://aarp.cvent.com/events/virtual-aarp-tx-conversation-with-writer-poet-performer-and-artist-sandra-cisneros-san-antonio-tx-10/event-summary-c4ffab66d92b435291645ee86e88eac6.aspx

Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m. -- Exercise and Latin Music: Yoga with Live Instrumentals -- Join AARP and MIXFIT for a series of Zumba classes with a twist! Every session will incorporate popular Latin music including Tejano, salsa, bachata, cumbia and more! Classes will take place via Zoom. Register at: https://local.aarp.org/aarp-event/virtual-aarp-tx-exercise-and-latin-music-yoga-with-live-instrumentals-san-antonio-tx-101221-n4nhdhvtnkt.html



Austin

Dallas-Fort Worth

• 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 13.
• 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15.
• 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17
  
  Register for the Zumba Gold classes at: https://forms.gle/7zRAVRmwZYvy1GUBA
  

• 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 20
• 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22
• 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 24
• 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 27
• 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29
• 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 1
• 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 4
• 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6
• 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 8
• 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 11
• 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13
• 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 15
  
  Register for the folklorico dance series at: https://forms.gle/NW1RiAZC4KcWzsjy9

Houston

Rio Grande Valley

• Sept. 30, 10 a.m.
• Oct. 7, 10 a.m.
• Oct. 14, 10 a.m.
• Oct. 21, 10 a.m.
• Oct. 28, 10 a.m.
• Nov. 4, 10 a.m.

• Sept. 28, 11 a.m.
• Oct. 5, 11 a.m.
• Oct. 12, 11 a.m.
• Oct. 19, 11 a.m.
• Oct. 26, 11 a.m.
• Nov. 2, 11 a.m.

• Sept. 30, 1 p.m. -- Virtual Tour of Palo Alto Battlefield
  Register at https://aarp.cvent.com/d/2mqd4x/
• Oct. 1, 1:30 p.m. -- Virtual tour of Sabal Palm Sanctuary & Historic 1892 Rabb Plantation House
  Register at https://aarp.cvent.com/d/fmqd4c/
• Oct. 5 -- Yagou Plantation virtual tour
  Register at https://aarp.cvent.com/d/mmqd4f/
• Oct. 6, noon -- Tour of Fort Brown
  Register at https://aarp.cvent.com/d/7mqd42/

San Antonio