Two Hispanic celebrations have been scheduled in the Quad Cities in the coming days to mark Hispanic Heritage Month.
First, the Silvis Hispanic Heritage Festival will be from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, on Hero Street in Silvis. The event will include food, music, crafts, a kids’ fun zone and much more.
Also, Project NOW and the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GQCHCC) team up each fall during Hispanic Heritage Month to host a free block party in the Floreciente neighborhood in Moline.
This year’s Hispanic Block Party is set for 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at The Gathering QC, 335 5th Ave., Moline. The outdoor event features local vendors, music, kid games, arts & crafts, music, food trucks, and trick or treat.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates Hispanic and Latino history and culture, and runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor our roots, celebrate our culture, and unite as a community for a brighter future,” said GQCHCC Executive Director Jesse Noriega.
Project NOW’s Head Start Director Andrea Flannery said out of the 200 children and families it serves approximately half are Hispanic. “We value our relationships and partnerships with the Hispanic community in Rock Island County and invite the public to come out and help us celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, together as a unified community,” she added.
Today, the Latino population in the United States is more than 60 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes up almost 19% of the total population and is the largest racial or ethnic group.
