Attendees watch performer Jack Ingram play during a concert Oct. 1, 2022, at Levitt Pavilion.
File photo / The Shorthorn staff
Arlington residents can celebrate Hispanic culture with live music, dancing, food and local vendors at the fifth annual Heritage Celebration at 4 p.m. Saturday at Levitt Pavilion.
The event will feature more than 60 food, retail, cultural and nonprofit vendors alongside performances from local musicians and dancers, according to a city press release.
Karina Nuñez, Arlington Latino Advisory Council member and social media manager, said the event provides an opportunity for the city’s Hispanic community to celebrate its heritage while sharing it with the rest of Arlington.
“I think it is very important as Hispanics to celebrate, especially in times like this,” Nuñez said. “Be proud and authentically proud of who you are because our roots go way back.”
She said involving local groups such as Sam Houston High School’s mariachi is one way organizers hope to make the celebration representative of the Arlington community.
Grupo de Danza Azteca San Jose’s performance will also bring something new to this year’s event, Nuñez said.
Nuñez said about 6,000 people attended last year, and the Arlington Latino Advisory Council hopes attendance reaches about 8,000 people this year.
Before the annual celebration began, Nuñez said Arlington residents often had to travel to Fort Worth or Dallas to attend large Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.
The event is scheduled to continue rain or shine. Nuñez said organizers are monitoring the weather and will announce any changes through social media if conditions require the event to be canceled.
Admission to the event is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Attendees are allowed to bring their own beverages, and the event is dog-friendly, according to the press release.
“Bring your friends, bring your family, bring your chair, bring your umbrella,” Nuñez said. “We just want everybody to know that everybody’s welcome, and it’s a big fiesta. We’re ready to party, and we want to share and celebrate with the community.”
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