Virtual ways on how to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month amid the global pandemic. The celebration kicks off on Sept. 15 and will end in the middle of October. 

(Photo : Reutersconnect)

The Hispanic community is the largest minority group in the United States. The recent study of the Pew Research Center shows that there are around 32 million Hispanics and Latinos in the country. It is no surprise why Presidential candidates are courting the largest minority group as the election nears. 

Hispanics and Latinos are not just part of the U.S. statistics. They have also played significant roles in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics or STEM, have contributed to the local and national economy, have worked as essential workers during the pandemic, and more. 

The achievements and contributions of Hispanics and Latinos in the country are genuinely remarkable. It is not a question anymore why their milestones in the country need to be celebrated. However, this year's traditional celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month will not be the same as last year. 

The global pandemic has transitioned the celebration to virtual, but it does not mean that it is no longer festive. Hispanics and Latinos will be holding virtual Hispanic Celebration Month. Here are some of the ways on how to be a part of the celebration.

Viva Mexico

This free virtual festival will be hosted by the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center on September 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event will be streamed through Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and VivaMexico2020.net.

Roen Salinas, founder of the Aztlan Dance Company, will lead the celebration as the Master of the Ceremony. Expect for music and dance performances that have made the festival popular for the past few years. 

According to a published article in Austin360, this year's celebration will explore the Idea of the Grito, or Cry for independence, originally delivered in 1810 by Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla.

 "There are calls of action from the community, passionate voices to be amplified and diverse interpretations of freedom and independence," according to the cultural center.  

Saltillo Day 2020 and El Grito

Two popular Mexican events will join forces together for the virtual celebration. Saltillo Day, an annual event toasting the international relationship of sister cities Austin and Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, will now incorporate Mexican Independence Day activities typically held at the Texas Capitol.

It is also important to note that all events are for free, but there is a need to register ahead of the scheduled interactive events. After the registration, attendees will receive an email on how to participate. There will be musical performances and an online tour featuring the Austin Friends of Folk Art group's extensive art collection.

Marentes, the consul general, will deliver a reenactment of the Grito, which will be televised in Univision. You can check the events and the registration information at austinsaltillo.com.

Moreover, the Hispanic Heritage Month this September will not entirely focus on the Mexicans. Several Latin American countries also will celebrate their independence.  

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