Lucia Arno-Bernsen
Live Latin music greeted over 200 guests at the second annual National Hispanic Month Celebration at the Beech St. Center on Oct. 13.
“I am honored to organize an event in my beloved town, with the help of my neighbors, local organizations and local businesses,” said Maribel Carvajal. “I am thankful to be in this country where we have the freedom to gather and to my neighbors who came from Spain, Mexico, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina.”
The menu included arepas, empanadas, and other specialties from Spanish-speaking countries, and attendees, including toddlers, teens and seniors danced to a variety of Latin music. Members of the Belmont High School band added to the live music playing throughout the evening. Exhibits celebrating history, culture and the arts included pottery, dolls, embroidery, masks, jewelry, toys, books, woodworking, shawls. paintings and decorative items.
“The most important part,” Carvajal said “is to keep our children connected to their roots and see our community together, embracing diversity.”