The impact and influence of Hispanic culture in Tampa is undeniable.
Actually, make that Hispanic cultures, since the term Hispanic covers a lot of acreage, physically and socially.
The description is applied to people from Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Spain. It’s a blanket term used for a host of nations, each with its own culture and tradition, many with Indigenous societies as well as the descendants of European settlers.
Hispanic Heritage Month, then, could probably be Months.
The Straz’s celebration of Hispanic culture isn’t confined to the 30 days of Heritage Month. In the coming months and into 2024 we’ll feature Hispanic performers both local and international, as well as our Straz-produced events such as Arts Legacy Remix and Latin Nights.
Upcoming events for Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond include:
ARTS LEGACY REMIX, FRIDAY, OCT. 6, RIVERWALK STAGE: Our third annual Hispanic Heritage Festival will feature vibrant arts, exhilarating dance performances and joyous music. (Outdoor event, weather permitting)
LATIN NIGHTS, THURSDAY, OCT. 12, RIVERWALK STAGE: The infectious rhythms of Sol Caribe will have feet moving and hips swaying all along The Riverwalk. (Outdoor event, weather permitting)
SANTIAGO CRUZ, SATURDAY, OCT. 28, FERGUSON HALL: One of Colombia’s most acclaimed singer-songwriters brings his Despues de la Tormenta (After the Storm) tour to Tampa.
GILBERTO SANTA ROSA, SUNDAY, NOV. 19, MORSANI HALL: Renowned for his talent and skills as both a bandleader and vocalist, Gilberto Santa Rosa has earned the title “El Caballero de la Salsa” (The Gentleman of Salsa). The Puerto Rico native was awarded the Latin Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.
COCO IN CONCERT. SATURDAY, NOV. 25, FERGUSON HALL: See this Disney-Pixar treat on a ginormous screen with Michael Giacchino’s score performed live by Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México. The film, about a boy’s journey into (and out of) The Land of the Dead to sort out family secrets, is acclaimed by audiences and critics alike.
LUCIA MICARELLI & LEO AMUEDO, FRIDAY, DEC. 1, FERGUSON HALL: Leo Amuedo is a Latin Grammy®-winning guitarist who has played with Barbra Streisand, Caetano Veloso, Stevie Wonder and more. Leo has teamed with violinist Lucia Micarelli for a program of music covering a broad swath of musical ground.
LATIN NIGHTS, THURSDAY, DEC. 14, RIVERWALK STAGE: A Metro Latino performance is a crash course in Latin musical styles, as the band expertly essays Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Vallenato, Reggae, and Cumbia. Of course, you’ll be too busy dancing to take notes. (Outdoor event, weather permitting)
BALLET HISPANICO, SATURDAY, FEB. 17, FERGUSON HALL: For more than 50 years, Ballet Hispanico has used dance as a catalyst for social change and to highlight the voices of Black and Brown artists. Ballet Hispanico is a world-class dance company as well, which they’ll display on Ferguson Hall’s stage.