National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrated Locally

Between mid-September and mid-October, many Episcopalian churches took part in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage. With traditional foods and folkloric dances, all Hispanic countries were represented.

San Mateo, Houston, celebrates the feast day of the parish saint and Hispanic Heritage at the same time each year. For 2022, San Mateo’s festival began with the Mass for the Immigrants.

Congregants enjoyed folkloric dances and food from their own regions. They had a special participation from La Compañía Folklórica Alegría Mexicana, Venezuela Ritmo y Folklore, Raíces del Perú, and the musical group Los Chiriviscos Power. More than 300 people of different nationalities attended the lavish event.

Christ Church Cathedral, Houston, proudly celebrated the diversity of Latino/Hispanic culture. All Cathedral members and friends had the opportunity to learn the wide range of the culture through dance, singing, and fellowship. This is an annual tradition on the part of Cathedral’s Latin/Hispanic congregation, and members are always happy to continue to share and celebrate their heritage and roots. Congregants had folkloric performances by Danz Art Folkloric Ballet and Los ChinelosComparsa Morelense. They also enjoyed Las Cazuelas, who provided some of their delicious food for the whole community.

San Pablo, Houston, honored and celebrated its countries of origin. Their community is made up of a wide range of nationalities from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Puerto Rico, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela. Music and food go hand-in-hand in their celebrations. With the collaboration of their community, they were able to taste typical dishes from many countries such as the famous Salvadoran pupusas, the rich Mexican tamales and other Central American delicacies, as well as assorted dishes and drinks from other locales. They decorated the parish hall with the flags of Latin American countries and witnessed the dancing talents of several parishioners, along with their very colorful and decorative costumes. Many also shared poems and songs that reminded everyone of their places of origin.

Some of the newer communities celebrated Hispanic Heritage for the first time. El Buen Pastor, Waco, celebrated the 212th Anniversary of the Independence of Mexico. They rang the bell and processed with the Grito de Dolores, or Cry of Dolores. They reflected on their Mexican culture and traditions and had the opportunity to learn more on the history of how Mexico became independent. Participants came dressed in their Mexican attire and sombreros. At the end, parishioners all had a chance to try an assortment of Mexican-style dishes.

The Spanish-speaking community at Grace, Houston, started off its celebration with a Holy Mass where songs were sung from Latin composers and prayers were issued for their countries of origin. They also had a parade with flags from different countries, singing "Un canto de Amistad" and "America será para Cristo.” Maleydy, a young girl, made a presentation of her participation in the Elsik High School band. A boy, Emmanuel, demonstrated different acts of martial arts. Grace congregants shared Latin American food; aguas frescas and soft drinks from Mama Lycha (El Salvador); and Inca Kola (Peru).

The community of Santa Fe, Cleveland (now known as San Esteban, Liberty County) decorated their space with all the flags of Latin America, including a salsa contest with prizes of $50, $100, and $200. A total of 19 salsas contestants participated. There was a Mexican dance group and live mariachis. Most importantly, they had the opportunity to perform and interact with neighbors in their community. Now the Episcopal Church is present in Cleveland, Texas.

The Hispanic Heritage Celebration at St. Dunstan's, Houston, was a great success. More than 75 people were in attendance. During the procession, they carried 21 flags from Latin American countries, preceded by the U.S. flag. They prayed for all the countries present that day. After the service, participants had the opportunity to sample meals from different countries, enjoy dances from Mexico and Colombia, and try out a dance clinic.