Community

AARP Austin in partnership Safe Streets Austin has helped create public spaces designed for residents of all ages, abilities and needs. The "Healthy Streets" initiative, allowed for the closing of a 10-mile stretch of Austin's roads to vehicles so that it would be open to walkers and cyclists. This temporary pandemic closure has now become permanent. AARP continues to fight for a healthier Austin.

The Christmas traditions of Mexican culture—gathering for a tamalada, holding Las Posadas or celebrating La Virgen de Guadalupe—can be found widely across Texas.

AARP Texas focused on celebrating the beauty of Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) with diverse events across the Lone Star State. It was a great time to provide opportunities to recognize the contributions and influences Hispanic Americans bring to the United States through historical and cultural events. From Houston to Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and the Rio Grande Valley, all corners of the state were beaming with pride.

While many in the United States celebrate Halloween on October 31, there is another observance that begins on the same day. From October 31 through November 2, many of Latino descent observe el Día de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead. It is a Spanish tradition passed down through generations, dating back three thousand years to the Aztecs.

San Antonio’s beloved “Celebrando con AARP” was back in-person. The 9th annual event was held at Traders Village on October 2 in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The community came out strong, with more than 14,000 people getting together for a fun-filled day of dancing to live music from local Tejano bands and hearing what AARP Texas has to offer them and their families.

AARP Texas is happy to announce the hiring of Jennifer Barrera Wandrey to help lead the association’s outreach work in Houston.

Dozens of baseball fans are sporting custom AARP Houston Astros jerseys after attending AARP Day at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday, September 27. Anyone who registered received a ticket to the game. AARP volunteers and staff distributed the jerseys, and other AARP branded swag during the Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks matchup.

Yōkai (pronounced yo-kai) represent spooky and otherworldly phenomena in Japanese folklore. They are everything from eerie sounds in the night to fantastical beasts.

The Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston (IHCH) held its annual gala on September 17 at the Hilton Americas, with this year's theme of "VIVA! The Gala." The stars of the evening were honorees recognized for their tireless work within the Latino community in Houston, including Director of Community Strategy for AARP Texas, Rosalinda Martinez.

A listing of Hispanic Heritage Month 2022 events hosted by AARP Texas and community partners throughout Texas. Sept 15 to Oct. 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month.