Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the Township Commissioners wished all residents, neighbors, family, and friends a happy and healthy Hispanic Heritage Month.
National Hispanic Heritage Week was established in 1968 and expanded to National Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988. The month includes the anniversaries of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Chile, Belize, and Mexico.
North Bergen hosts a robust Hispanic community comprising individuals from many countries who have made contributions to society by sharing their talents, culture, and traditions.
The township supports the celebration of the rich cultural traditions and significant achievements of the Hispanic and Latinx-American communities.
Hispanic Heritage Month runs through Oct. 15.
Celebrating virtually
Normally the township schedules a wide variety of festivities during this time, including parades, dance performances, Spanish films, art programs, and cooking demonstrations. Due to the pandemic, the usual public festivities have been suspended.
Activities continue online, thanks to the North Bergen Free Public Library, which kicked off the month by hosting virtual classes and concerts.
Several live events will be held outdoors in the main library parking lot at 8411 Bergenline Ave., with social distancing.
The celebration of Hispanic heritage began on Sept. 19. The library held a Zoom concert featuring music of the Hispanic and Latin World, featuring Dr. Podles. Latin Grammy Award Winners 123 Andrés performed via Facebook Live on Sept. 21.
Upcoming events
Special Pre-K Prep Storytime will be held on Zoom on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m.
On Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. there will be a Mariachi Sol Mixteco Concert also in the library parking lot.
The Main Branch of the North Bergen Free Public Library is at 8411 Bergenline Avenue.
Special Toddler Times Storytime will be held on Zoom on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m.
Latin Dance Class will be held on Zoom on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 6:10 p.m.
On Saturday, Oct. 10 at 1 p.m. the Main Branch library parking lot will host a Flamenco and Salsa performance from Oneida’s Dance Studio.
Disney Movie Trivia about the film “Coco” will be held on Zoom on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 4 p.m.
The TacoBite Experience: Taco Class will be held on Zoom on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7:15 p.m.
Special Bilingual Storytimes will be held on Zoom on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. These story times will run through Oct. 13.
Special Crafting Corner with Miss Marcia will be held on Zoom through Oct. 15. Crafts can be picked up on Wednesdays, The event is held Thursdays at 4 p.m.
Schools Superintendent Dr. George Solter has announced that Supervisor of Social Studies Mr. Brady has distributed many virtual activities to the teachers to use in their classrooms. Supervisor of World Languages Mr. Martinez has directed all world language teachers to complete projects highlighting Hispanic cultures.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Dan Israel can be reached at disrael@hudsonreporter.com.
