Hispanic Heritage celebration at George Washington Carver National Monument

You are invited to a Hispanic Heritage celebration at George Washington Carver National Monument on Saturday, October 8^th. This free event takes place from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on the front lawn near the visitor center and music tent. Dance, crafts, and music are all part of the fun.

Ballet Folklorico Herencia de Mexico is the performing arm of the Latin Art Organization of Arkansas. They are featured on the Arts on Tour roster of the Arkansas Arts Council. Reflecting the traditions, customs, and lifestyles of various regions in Mexico, the beautifully costumed dancers showcase the excitement of folk dances at festivals through Arkansas. We are fortunate to host them for this event. Their performance begins at 11:00 am.

Mariachi Amistad de Arkansas, one of the most popular mariachi bands in Northwest Arkansas, will perform from noon to 2 o’clock. Mariachi music is popular because it can make people dance with its infectious rhythms. It can even make people remember loved ones with touching songs that commemorate their lives.

Did you know that numerous national parks share Latin American heritage and the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the culture of the United States? A few examples include Cesar Chavez National Monument, Chamizal National Memorial, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and Cabrillo National Monument. Be sure to pick up a brochure from these and many other national parks.

Throughout the day there will be craft stations interpreting Latin American history. Everyone is invited to make worry dolls, paper marigolds, and sugar skulls while learning about the significance of each of these activities. This special day is part of the park’s on-going commitment to embrace a wider audience and cultivate cultural awareness.

Hispanic Heritage Day is made possible because of the commitment and talents of our artists and volunteers. It is co-sponsored by the Carver Birthplace Association and the Joplin Convention & Visitors Bureau. The National Park Service celebrates America’s rich Hispanic history and culture with #HispanicHeritageMonth from September 15 – October 15. Learn more at www.nps.gov.

Administered by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior, George Washington Carver National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver – scientist, educator, and humanitarian. The park is located two miles west of Diamond, Missouri on Highway V, then ¼ mile south on Carver Road. For more information, please call the park at 417-325-4151 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., visit the park website at www.nps.gov/gwca, or visit the park Facebook page.