Mayor Buddy Dyer, the Orlando City Council, and the Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Network will host the second annual City of Orlando Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off celebration at Lake Eola Park on Sunday, September 14.

This free event will celebrate the commencement of the nationally observed Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, 2008. Across the country, Americans celebrate the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. The starting date coincides with the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

This event celebrating the influence of Hispanic culture in Orlando will occur from 12 pm to 5 pm. There will be a program at 2 pm at the Disney Amphitheater featuring special guest speakers Mayor Dyer and District 2 Commissioner Tony Ortiz and a presentation of the 38 flags of the Latin American countries. The kick-off will include music and cultural entertainment from many Hispanic countries as well as booths with food, wares, and local service providers. Pedro Brull, a local Hispanic artist, has created an art piece that will be on exhibit.

Anyone interested in further information can call (407) 254-4652. For details on parking for the event, please log on to www.cityoforlando.net.
 

WHO:

12 pm to 5 pm
     Cultural music, dancing, and performances at the Disney Amphitheater
     Booths featuring Latin American food, wares, and local service providers
2 pm
     Special Program at Disney Amphitheater
     Special Guests Mayor Buddy Dyer and Commissioner Tony Ortiz
     Presentation of the flags of Latin American countries
 

Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola
195 North Rosalind Avenue