Hispanic Heritage month, which starts today and goes until October 15th, celebrates the history and culture of the country’s Latino and Hispanic communities and how they have contributed to American society.

September 15th was chosen as the starting point for the commemoration because it is the anniversary of the independence of five Hispanic countries.

Jaime Zabala, Founder and President of the Latin American Alliance, Noelia Torres, Public Relations Director of Danza Fiesta, and Meredith Klein, Director of the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School, join us to provide some insight on the Latin American community and their upcoming event, the Latin American festival, which takes place Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in New Holland.

The festival aims to bring together twenty one Latin American countries and present, to the local non-Hispanic community, their heritage and traditions through music, dance, and food.

"Music, it is in our blood," Zabala said. "I think it's even more prominent among the Hispanic countries; music, big gatherings, and food... They all speak of our roots, heritage, and traditions."

Klein said, the best way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month is to get outside of your comfort zone and learn about the culture.

"Hispanic Heritage Month is a great opportunity to say, I'm going to do things outside my bubble," Klein said. "I'm going to go see dance performances, listen to music, try something new that I might not interact with otherwise. And I really believe that those unexpected connections and the things that push us out of our habitual patterns of living and thought, are what keep bringing us into contact with the moment and making our lives richer."

For more information on the Latin American Festival visit latinamera.org.

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