Members of a Ballet Folklorico perform. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider)
Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through Oct. 15, kicks off in Houston this week with music, dance, and festivals across the area. But for many, the celebrations are not just about celebrating culture—it’s also about finding hope and joy at a time when increased immigration enforcement has left many communities on edge.
During one week alone in August, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials arrested over 800 people in the Houston area, per a news release from the government agency.
“ I’m asking everybody, if you know anyone that’s either a family friend or a worker that’s undocumented, due to pretty much the Supreme Court telling ICE that they have carte blanche that they can arrest anybody, to stay home,” Sergio Lira, president of a Houston council of the League of United Latin American Citizens, told COURIER HTX. “ We’re all concerned about a reaction because every action creates a reaction. So we want to be careful.”
FIEL Houston, an immigrant-led civil rights organization, is also reminding people of their rights: If stopped by ICE, you have the right to remain silent, have the right to record the interaction, and have the right not to sign anything.
“There’s been so many bad news recently that we’re looking for other opportunities for there to be hope for our community,” Cesar Espinosa, FIEL Houston’s executive director, told Houston Public Media. “And part of that hope is a celebration of our culture, of our roots, of everything, and giving people the opportunity to come and enjoy themselves with their family.”
Here are just a few upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month events in Houston:
Free Family Night at The Children’s Museum Houston: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
Sept. 18, 25, and Oct. 2: 5-8 p.m.
Children’s Museum Houston, 1500 Binz St., Houston
Every Thursday, The Children’s Museum Houston will be putting on a different event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, including DIY Pinatas and An Art Class with Frida Kahlo.
Astros Hispanic Heritage Weekend
Sept. 19-21
Daikin Park, 501 Crawford St., Houston
Snag a ticket to a baseball game with the Houston Astros as they put on a weekend celebration including a happy hour and a street festival.
Sept. 20: 7-10 p.m.
Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St., Houston
International touring company México en el Corazón is bringing their show to Houston, with more than 70 performances, plus a special market featuring Latin food and vendors.
Sept. 20: 7:30 p.m.
Shell Energy Stadium, 2200 Texas Ave., Houston
Check out a women’s soccer game as the Houston Dynamos take on the Portland Timbers, and see a halftime performance by Rice University Mariachi.
Sept. 21: 1-10 p.m.
Midtown Park, 2811 Travis St., Houston
This event will feature live Latin artists, folkloric and cultural performances, and food vendors from different Latin countries.
Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m.
Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston
The event, presented by DANMAR Academy of Performing Arts, will showcase dance, music, and audiovisual presentations that revolve around Hispanic culture.
Oct. 2, 7 p.m.
Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston
The music festival will celebrate all things Chicano music, with featured bands Ricky Naranjo y Los Gamblers and Mike Gonzalez and The Iconiczz performing.
Oct. 4, noon-6 p.m.
Post Houston, 401 Franklin St., Houston
The family-friendly event will feature interactive booths, small business vendors, cultural arts activities, musical and folkloric presentations, and Latin American food samples.
