The Library of Congress is marking Hispanic Heritage Month with a lineup of special events designed to honor the rich culture and history of the Hispanic community.
From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, highlights include a performance by Latin jazz legend Eddie Palmieri, poetry readings by renowned Latino poets, and a hands-on “cartonero” book workshop.
This celebration will also add 50 audio recordings to the PALABRA Archive, preserving the voices of Hispanic authors and poets for generations.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Through Music, Poetry, and Art
Hispanic Heritage Month at the Library of Congress offers something for everyone, from music lovers to poetry enthusiasts and families eager to engage in creative activities.
Eddie Palmieri, an established figure in Latin jazz, will headline the celebrations with a concert at the Coolidge Auditorium on October 18.
Known for blending salsa and jazz, Palmieri’s revolutionary music, including his famous track Azúcar Pa’ Ti, has shaped the genre and continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
Meanwhile, poetry readings are scheduled to take place on Sept. 19, featuring former U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera alongside award-winning poets Ruth Behar and Maria Kelson.
Readings will be held in the Hispanic Reading Room, offering attendees a chance to experience Latino voices firsthand. Additionally, the Library’s PALABRA Archive will release 50 new audio recordings, showcasing writers from across Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula.
Events at a Glance
- Eddie Palmieri Concert: A sold-out performance in the Coolidge Auditorium on October 18, featuring the Latin jazz legend.
- Poetry Readings: Sept. 19 readings in the Hispanic Reading Room by notable poets from the “Collecting Memories” exhibition.
Preserving Hispanic Voices with PALABRA
A major feature of the Library’s Hispanic Heritage Month programming is the expansion of the PALABRA Archive, which contains nearly 870 original recordings of 20th and 21st-century poets and authors from the Hispanic world.
This year’s additions include recordings from authors Mario Bellatin and Carlos Franqui, preserving their works for future generations online. The archive is a crucial resource for anyone looking to explore Hispanic literature and poetry in its original voice.
Event |
Date |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Eddie Palmieri Concert | October 18 | Sold-out performance in the Coolidge Auditorium. |
| Poetry Readings | September 19 | Hosted in the Hispanic Reading Room, featuring Latino poets. |
| “Cartonero” Book Workshop | September 14 | Family Day event with hands-on book-making inspired by Latin American art. |
Engaging the Community with Family Day and Educational Workshops
In addition to performances and poetry readings, the Library is offering a unique hands-on experience for families on Sept. 14.
The “cartonero” book workshop will invite participants to create handmade books, an art form rooted in Latin American culture.
This Family Day event allows participants to interact with Library collections while engaging their creativity. It’s an opportunity to make art, learn about Hispanic heritage, and take home a piece of the experience.
The Library’s By the People program invites the public to transcribe historic Spanish legal documents, contributing to preservation efforts online.
This ongoing project, titled Herencia: Centuries of Spanish Legal Documents, aims to digitize and transcribe over 20,000 pages of materials, offering a rare glimpse into the legal history of the Hispanic world.
Engaging Through Education and History
The Library’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations go beyond just entertainment, focusing on educational experiences that deepen the public’s understanding of Hispanic culture and history.
The Herencia project and PALABRA Archive showcase the Library’s commitment to preserving and celebrating Hispanic contributions to American culture.
The Final Word
Sources: THX News & Library of Congress.
