Hispanic Heritage Festival 2023 – There will be bands and music for attendees to enjoy. Photo courtesy of The Ourspace Foundation
LANSING, MI – The Ourspace Foundation proudly presents the 2nd Annual 517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend, a celebration that brings the vibrant spirit of Hispanic culture, history, and unity to Downtown Lansing. This four-day event, taking place from September 19th to September 22nd, will be packed with diverse activities and events for all ages, offering an opportunity for the Lansing community to immerse themselves in the richness of Hispanic heritage.
Pathways to Prosperity: Hispanic Heritage Wellness Seminar
The celebration kicks off on September 19th with the “Pathways to Prosperity” Wellness Seminar, from 6 PM to 8 PM at Lansing Community College’s Michigan Room. This seminar is not just an event but a necessary exploration of the 8 Dimensions of Wellness, focusing on how these aspects are intertwined with the well-being of the Hispanic community. Attendees will engage in insightful discussions led by a distinguished panel, including Dr. Amanda Flores, Dr. Felipe Lopez Sustaita, Elena Herrera, Cecilia Sandoval, and Jose Aste.
Each speaker brings a wealth of knowledge, addressing critical areas such as financial, occupational, social, and emotional wellness. This donation-based event is a cornerstone of the weekend, emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being in fostering a prosperous community. It is crucial for Lansing to support such initiatives, recognizing that the wellness of its Hispanic residents contributes significantly to the overall health of the city.
DANCE CLASS & MIXER
Salsa & Bachata
On September 20th, from 6 PM to 9 PM, The Lansing Shuffle Patio will transform into a hub of rhythm and movement for the Dance Class & Mixer, featuring Salsa and Bachata. Mino Bachatero, a talented instructor from Detroit’s MotorCity Street Dance Academy, will lead the class, making it accessible to dancers of all levels. Following the class, DJ Juice will keep the energy high with a lively mixer.
This event, free and open to the public, is more than just a dance class; it is an invitation for Lansing’s diverse community to come together and celebrate through movement and music. Such events are vital for fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation within the city.
517 HISPANIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL
The heart of the weekend is the 517 Hispanic Heritage Festival on September 21st, from 3:30 PM to 10 PM in Downtown Lansing’s S. Washington Square. The festival is a sensory feast of vibrant colors, sounds, and flavors, celebrating the community’s rich traditions and diversity. Highlights include thrilling Lucha Boom wrestling matches, elegant Mexican Folklorico dance performances by the CasArt Foundation, and live music from Orquesta Ritmo and Motivo.
Over 60 vendors will showcase food, crafts, and goods from Hispanic countries across the globe, providing a unique culinary journey and cultural exploration. The Kidz Zone will ensure fun for the younger attendees, while DJ sets from DJ Juice, DJ E-Nyce, DJ Dolo, and DJ Fuego will keep the streets alive with non-stop music and dancing.
This festival is not just an event but a powerful expression of the city’s commitment to embracing and celebrating its Hispanic population. Lansing must continue to nurture such events, ensuring that all Hispanic cultures are represented and honored.
LATIN JAZZ NIGHT
The weekend concludes with the 3rd Annual Latin Jazz Night on September 22nd, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at The Lansing Shuffle Patio. The evening will feature live performances by Orquesta Ritmo, complemented by DJ E-Nyce’s smooth, rhythmic beats. This donation-based event provides a perfect closing to the weekend’s festivities, offering a space for reflection, celebration, and connection through music.
The Necessity of Embracing All Hispanic Cultures in Lansing
The 517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend is more than a series of events; it is a celebration of identity, culture, and community. As Lansing grows, it is essential that the city embraces and celebrates all Hispanic cultures, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the city. This weekend is a step toward that goal, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to connect, learn, and celebrate together.
By embracing Hispanic heritage, Lansing strengthens its community bonds, promotes diversity, and ensures that every resident feels valued and included. Join us in this celebration, and let us continue to walk together on the path to prosperity, unity, and cultural appreciation.
Go to 517hispanicheritage.com or find more on their socials: ourspace517 and 517hispanicheritage.
