Long Beach community members can explore Latin American culture during the Long Beach Public Library\u2019s eighth annual Vida Latina series.<\/p>\n
Through Oct. 31, all 12 library locations will offer free programs and activities for children, teens, adults and families to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Latin American communities, according to a press release.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s theme is \u201cAlumbra Tu Vida,\u201d which translates to \u201cLight Up Your Life,\u201d encouraging everyone to discover something new that brings light and joy into their lives. Whether through art, music, storytelling, dance or hands-on activities, Vida Latina will offer opportunities for the community to come together, celebrate culture and make meaningful connections, officials said.<\/p>\n
\u201cCelebrations like Vida Latina remind us that culture is something we experience together \u2013 it is shared through music, food, art, stories and traditions passed from one generation to the next,\u201d Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. \u201cThe Long Beach Public Library continues to create opportunities for our community to learn from one another and celebrate what makes Long Beach such a vibrant and welcoming city.\u201d<\/p>\n
The celebration will begin with \u201cUna Tardeada con Boleros with Attitude,\u201d from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Billie Jean King Main Library, 200 W. Broadway. The Los Angeles trio Boleros with Attitude will perform a mix of traditional Latin folk music, romantic boleros and original hip-hop, the press release said. The performance will blend music and storytelling to celebrate culture, creativity and community.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s Vida Latina series will feature special guests and programs offering the community opportunities to find and explore new traditions, including a story time with children\u2019s author and creator of \u201cMillennial Loteria\u201d Mike Alfaro, who will read the latest books in his series, \u201cS\u00ed Sabo Kids: The Unbreakable Pi\u00f1ata\u201d and \u201cWhat Does \u00d1 Sound Like?\u201d at 11 a.m. Oct. 3 at Billie Jean King Main Library.<\/p>\n
Bilingual storyteller Josue Cuentacuentos will also share his energetic Selena Storytime at multiple library branches, and local dance instructors Christopher Sandoval and Jeanette Flores will lead \u201cBaile Con Nosotros\u201d (\u201cDance with Us\u201d) workshops, including Mexican regional dance for children and family Latin dance, which will take place at multiple branches during the month.<\/p>\n
Acclaimed storyteller Olga Loya will bring her signature Day of the Dead performance and storytelling workshop to Harte Neighborhood Library, 1595 W. Willow St., as part of \u201cNoche de Cuentos en Comunidad,\u201d which translates to \u201cA Night of Stories in Community,\u201d at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.<\/p>\n
D\u00eda de Los Muertos will also be celebrated at Harte Neighborhood Library from 3 to 5 p.m. every Friday in October, with the branch\u2019s community room becoming a community altar, the press release said. Each week, families and community members can participate in an all-ages arts and crafts activity to create decorations for the altar or their own family altars. The library will also accept 5-by-7-inch photos of deceased loved ones to include on the community altar throughout the month.<\/p>\n
Vida Latina will also have a big community celebration from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, 5870 Atlantic Ave.. That event is called \u201cLa Gran Tardeada con Selenamos\u201d \u2013 or \u201cThe Great Evening with Selenamos.\u201d<\/p>\n
The celebration will feature a performance by Selena tribute band Selenamos, a children\u2019s Bad Bunny puppet show, a Latin idols costume contest for all ages, karaoke, arts and crafts, and more, officials said. Guests are encouraged to come dressed as a favorite Latin music icon, cultural figure or even their favorite Loter\u00eda card for an evening of fun and celebration.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlumbra Tu Vida is an invitation to find joy in culture and in community,\u201d Cathy De Leon, director of the Department of Library, Arts and Culture, said in a statement. \u201cWhether you are learning a new dance, listening to a story, making art or simply spending time with loved ones, Vida Latina offers something for everyone. We are excited to fill our libraries with experiences that celebrate Latin American culture and encourage our community to discover something new together.\u201d<\/p>\n