To help celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the Hailey Public Library will host Cultura, inviting community leaders to share personal stories, images, and conversation about their home countries.
On Thursday, September 21 at 5:30-7:00 PM, Dirce Flores, a former professional dancer from a small town near Oaxaca, will introduce us to her area’s regions, multiple ethnic groups, pre-Hispanic ceremonial centers and the Guelaguetza, an annual indigenous cultural celebration. She will conclude by demonstrating a traditional dance.
“There are over 20 countries in Central and South America, including Mexico,” commented Kristin Fletcher, programs and community engagement manager at the library, “Each one has a rich, complex heritage, including remarkable histories, beautiful landscapes and unique foods, music, dance and cultural heroes. Our own community has become a melting pot of cultures as people have moved here, bringing their rich traditions with them.”
Fletcher continued, “Cultura is intended to be an intimate, cross cultural conversation. It is not a travel guide to the next, best place to visit. It is a conversation with our neighbors and friends, an opportunity to learn more about these fascinating places from our neighbors who know them best of all.”
Cultura continues on September 28 when hospitality specialist Jessica Maynard takes us to Arequipa, Peru. Violinista and educator Mauricio Molino will speak about Cali, Columbia, on October 8, concluding the series.
For more information about this and other talks, call 208-788-2036 or visit www.haileypubliclibrary.org.