Newport News Tips Its Hat to Hispanic Heritage Month

City council meetings can drag on, but this one had a bright spot. On Sept. 9, Newport News paused to do something worth talking about: proclaiming Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month. About time too, since our Hispanic community has grown close to 10% of the city. You can see it plain as day in the food, the shops, even in the music that pops up at festivals.

 

This year’s theme is “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” It sounds lofty, but it rings true. Hispanic families here have roots that stretch from Spain, Mexico, and throughout Central and South America. The history is deep, but so is the energy they bring today.

 

Mayor Philip Jones made it official, but the real excitement is what is ahead. Bilingual events, youth programs, resource fairs, and plenty of food. The buzz is already building for the second annual Hispanic Heritage Month  Restaurant Week (Sept. 19–30). That means tacos stacked high, empanadas hot out of the fryer, and who knows what kind of wild specials the chefs will dream up this year.

 

Bring your family and friends to enjoy delicious food, vibrant art, and community celebrations that highlight the rich diversity in our city. You don’t really need a mayor’s proclamation to get out there, but now you’ve got one, so no excuses. Grab your crew, try a new spot, and order something that makes you smile. Bet you won’t regret it.