Summary
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15, and the City of Harrisburg has some exciting events and programming for you to experience.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Melissa Mesones-Ortiz, Deputy Communications Director
(717) 255-6584
[email protected]
September 14, 2022
HARRISBURG – Fascinating feature stories, in-depth interviews, and a chance to have a meal with the Mayor highlight Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Harrisburg.
The annual national celebration runs from September 15 to October 15, and highlights Hispanic and Latino culture. In Harrisburg, numerous events will take place both in person and using the city’s public access television channel, WHBG-TV 20.
“The purpose of this week is to recognize the contributions of the Latino and Hispanic communities to American society,” said City Deputy Communications Director Melissa Mesones-Ortiz. “Likewise, it is about celebrating the growing presence of the Latino and Hispanic populations in the City of Harrisburg.”
Those celebrations will start immediately, as Mayor Wanda R.D. Williams is scheduled to visit and taste Latino and Hispanic food from some of the city’s most respected restaurants. On Thursday, September 15, Mayor Williams is inviting the public to join her for lunch at noon at Tres Hermanos Mexican Restaurant, located at 712 S. Cameron Street.
Then, on Friday, September 16 at 5 p.m., Mayor Williams is asking anyone who wants to enjoy authentic Venezuelan food to have dinner with her at Arepa House at 404 N. 2nd Street. There will be live music playing from a local band.
During the mayor’s visits, restaurants will offer a special menu at a lower price, in conjunction with Harrisburg Restaurant Week.
“The Hispanic and Latino community is the beating drum to Harrisburg’s salsa dance,” Mayor Williams said. “Nearly a quarter of the city’s population is Hispanic or Latino. We should be celebrating your heritage and culture every day, not just one month a year.”
Meanwhile, WHBG-TV will air special Hispanic Heritage Month programming through the month, both on Comcast Channel 20 and on its growing YouTube channel.
City of Harrisburg Communications Director Matt Maisel will conduct interviews with some of the city’s Hispanic leaders, including MILPA (Movement of Immigrant Leaders in Pennsylvania) coordinator Maria Alejandra Hernandez, Dr. Hector Ortiz of Penn State University of Harrisburg, and City Councilmembers Shamaine Daniels and Ralph Rodriguez.
In addition, WHBG-TV will air feature programming on Arepa House, Tres Hermanos, Family Tires, and other local Hispanic-owned businesses in the city.
For additional questions about how you can be involved in the city’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, please contact Deputy Communications Director Melissa Mesones-Ortiz, at (717) 255-6584 or by email at [email protected].
