Charleston, South Carolina — Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in the Lowcountry extend the entire month and include dance, music, educational activities, and assistance for immigrant families around the region.
“Love can bring us together, but culture can also bring us together,” said Hispanic community leader Nilsy Rapalo.
There is something for everyone this year during the Lowcountry’s Hispanic cultural events. Events include a Zumba Fiesta at Crunch Fitness on October 12, a Latin American Festival on October 5, a Tropical Fiesta in Mount Pleasant on September 28, and an environmental cleanup at Lake Moultrie on September 20.
Bringing people together to listen, learn, and celebrate is the aim.
“People can ask questions during these events. It’s fascinating to see how diverse our community is and how the people here are constantly attempting to engage with the local community,” Rapalo said. “There are moments when we assume that we are all Mexicans or that we all speak Spanish and which countries speak Portuguese.”
With additional assistance from their community partners, the Charleston Hispanic Association uses this month as a chance to support the immigrant population. To start the month, they had one of their biggest food giveaways on Tuesday.
“The number of Hispanics in Charleston, South Carolina, has increased significantly,” stated Enrique Grace, president of the Charleston Hispanic Association. “The city is friendly, but because of the large number of Hispanics and immigrants, many of them arrive in poverty, which has made it more important for us to assist the general public.”
One of North Charleston’s largest festivities of Hispanic Heritage Month will take place on Friday. Mexican Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) will be incorporated into the festivities, along with dancing performances by Holy City Salsa and Charleston Argentine Society and musical entertainment by the band Cuban Cowboys.
Ann Simmons, North Charleston’s Deputy Director of Cultural Arts, stated, “I think it’s important to use arts and culture to bring folks together, especially in these times,” because the community of North Charleston is so diverse. “Seeing people who look like them participate in their community is fantastic, and it also makes it possible for people who don’t look like them to attend these kinds of events.”
The public is welcome to attend the free celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in North Charleston.
More information about events celebrating Hispanic Heritage in the Charleston region may be found here.
