Chandler's homage to Hispanic culture has officially kicked off with the annual Chandler Contigo ¡Día De Fiesta! event, which started the city's month-long series of festivities in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event, characterized by a combination of cultural displays and family-friendly activities, was free to the public and featured a rich tapestry of Hispanic traditions right in the heart of the East Valley.
The celebration took place at the Downtown Chandler Library, where attendees were encouraged to fully immerse themselves in the experience. "It is going to be just like a library takeover inside and outside. Inside, we're going to have mariachis, we're going to have lucha libre, we're going to have crafts and art and performances, and Arizona's Poet Laureate, Alberto Ríos, will be there. So, it's just going to be amazing," Niki Tapia, City of Chandler’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, told ABC15. The library grounds were also set to host a soccer clinic, highlighting the universal appeal of the sport within Hispanic culture.
More than just a kickoff celebration, the Chandler Contigo series extends to a variety of events slated throughout Hispanic Heritage Month. These include the 25th annual Chandler Mariachi and Folklórico Festival happening on October 5th at the Chandler Center for the Arts, and a special Contigo Movie Night featuring "Spare Parts" on September 22nd at the LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Chandler. For those eager to see the full program line-up, further details can readily be found on the city's official website.
The city's commitment to diversity and inclusion was on full display during the kickoff event, where visitors were entertained by not just mariachis and Lucha Libre wrestlers, but also enthralled by an array of dynamic music performances and dance. With colorful face painting, family crafts, and the presence of local non-profit booths, the event proved to be a community affair geared towards engaging and educating people of all ages about Hispanic culture. Food vendors and a market offering items directly from Mexico further amplified the authentic experience, letting attendees to fully embrace the vibrancy and richness of Hispanic heritage.
Supported by the City of Chandler's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division, the Chandler Contigo series stands as a testament to the city's recognition and celebration of the valuable contributions of the Hispanic community. As described on the city's event page, the series is an all-encompassing exploration of Hispanic cultural roots through educational and entertainment-driven initiatives, designed to ensure that the pride and spirit of Hispanic heritage are well and vividly remembered and shared amongst Arizonians from all walks of life.
