MANCHESTER, CT-   The Town of Manchester Department of Leisure, Family, and Recreation honors and celebrates Hispanic history and culture with National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 – October 15. National Hispanic Heritage Month, with roots going back to 1968, celebrates the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile, and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period. 

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the contributions and the important presence of Hispanic and Latin Americans in the U.S. Manchester is a unique community that celebrates the history and culture of National Hispanic Heritage.

Hispanic Heritage Month

While the summer winds down, September 15 marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. From September 15th to October 15, people of the Latin diaspora celebrate their culture, leaders and customs. As the Latin population continues to rise in the United States, we see our state as a place many Latinx people call home. To honor and celebrate this month, we have sourced a list of resources that can help you or a loved one take advantage of what this month has to offer.

Educational Resources:

• Manchester Community College will be hosting resume building workshops and interview tips and tricks workshops. Both of these resources are accessed online and are free admission. Go to https://www.manchestercc.edu/events/ for more info.
  • This event can help communities who were affected by COVID layoffs and unemployment. This is for more than just the Latinx community.
• Manchester Adult Learning and Continuing Education is offering English as a second language, free to Manchester residents. Go to https://www.manchesteradulted.org/General-Information/Registration/ for more information
  • This material can help communities who are in need of assimilation within the US. This is for more than just the Latinx community.
• The University of Connecticut is hosting two events that will be based on the discussions of Latin Americans in regards to colorism, racism, and human rights. These events will be held online and free to the public. Go to https://www.events.foundation.uconn.edu/website/16336/ to register.
  • These events are great for those in higher education or looking to be a part of a conversation on the Latin american experience.

Support:

• Free COVID 19 Testing and Food Share is available at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT. Not limited to East Hartford residents all are welcome. Available as a drive thru method only. Time of operation is Monday-Friday, 8am to 12pm.
  • This event can help communities who were affected by COVID layoffs and unemployment. This is for more than just the Latinx community.
• 2-1-1 Child Care helps families find child care to best meet their needs and maintains current listings of licensed and license exempt child care programs in Connecticut. For more information visit https://www.211childcare.org/ or call 211
  • This benefits families that are in need of child care. COVID has affected everyone and some families do not have the means of working at home.

Entertainment:

• The Connecticut Science Center currently has an exhibit titled Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed. This exhibition explores the history of the Mayan society in a family fun environment. For more info visit https://ctsciencecenter.org/maya/ for more information.
  • This is a great way for people to understand the important history from Mexico and how it has affected societies as we know it.

Business:

• Supporting local businesses always adds something special to a home town. Here is a list of a few of the local Latin owned restaurants here in Manchester.
  • La Bomba Mexican Restaurant. 485 Hartford Rd, Manchester, CT 06040
  • Mexico Lindo Restaurant. 697 Main St, Manchester, CT 06040
  • La Placita Del Mofongo. 415A Broad St, Manchester, CT 06040
  • Rosita’s Latin Cuisine. 534 Middle Turnpike E, Manchester, CT 06040