On Tuesday, October 4, the South Shore YMCA Germantown Neighborhood Center hosted our first Latino Heritage Month Celebration. Organized by our Self-Compassion Family Group, this event featured special guests, traditional Latin American foods, community resources, and a lively dance workshop.
Latino Heritage Month is celebrated every year from September 15 to October 15, and recognizes the contributions, diversity, and extensive history of the American Latino community. The celebrations begin on September 15 to honor the Independence Day of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile, and Belize follow shortly after, on the 16th, 18th, and 21st.
“At the Y, we believe our community is stronger when everyone feels welcomed and appreciated,” said Josh Esquivel, South Shore YMCA Community Outreach Director. “It was so special to gather everyone together to share in the extensive culture of Latin-Americans in the Germantown community.”
Our Latino Heritage Month Celebration honored the three primary regions of Latin America: Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. Keynote speaker Elaine Sanchez spoke about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Latinx community. Participants enjoyed a workshop on a traditional dance from the Dominican Republic called “Bachata”, taught by Dance Instructor Nykole Nova. Community partners from Cristo Rey Boston, City of Quincy Department of Planning and Community Development, and Manet Community Health attended to provide a variety of resources. Neighbors from Germantown along with Invi Restaurant catered the event with a variety of delicious traditional Latin American foods.
The SSYMCA Self-Compassion Family Group operates at the Germantown Neighborhood Center. This group hosts series of events throughout the year that promote love and appreciation across the community. “It’s important to learn about our community’s cultures so that we can be better neighbors to one another and share laughter and love amongst us all,” said Esquivel. To learn more about the Self Compassion family group and more community events, visit ssymca.org/germantown.
