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Page last updated on September 19, 2019 at 9:27 am

For more information, please contact

Josefa Luce 

Latino Outreach Coordinator 

Community and Family Resources Department 

lucej@bloomington.in.gov

812-349-3860

Fiesta del Otoño to Launch Hispanic Heritage Month at Showers Plaza Saturday

Bloomington, Ind. - The City of Bloomington invites community members and visitors to Fiesta del Otoño (Fall Festival) on Saturday, September 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 through October 15. This free, family-friendly celebration will be held in conjunction with the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market at Showers Plaza in front of City Hall (401 N. Morton St.).  Free parking is available in the Morton Street parking garage and in several lots nearby (please see map below).  

The theme of Fiesta del Otoño 2019 is “Trabajando juntos por Nuestra Comunidad,” which translates to “Working Together for Our Community.”  The event will feature educational opportunities and entertainment that showcase Hispanic cultures, including a performance by Mariachi Zelaya, a stroll by Latinx Greek organizations, and a community performance of “Jarabe Tapatio,” a traditional Mexican dance.  Nearby, a dance competition will give visitors the chance to show off their own moves in salsa, merengue, cumbia, bachata, and other genres. In a kids’ zone, children and families can learn how to make traditional Latin American crafts, play loteria (Mexican bingo), and more. 

"As a Latina, I know how important it is to strengthen bonds in our community.  Working together will make our community and our nation stronger,” said City of Bloomington Latino Outreach Coordinator Josefa Luce.  “During National Hispanic Heritage Month we want to recognize the contributions and influence made in our community and country by the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans and celebrate our heritage and culture through our commitment to family, our strong work ethic, and service to our community.” 

The City provides resources and programming to Hispanic and Latino members of the community through the Community and Family Resources Department’s Latino Outreach program, which also staffs the Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs, and maintains partnerships with a number of local organizations that support this community.   

“The different Latin cultures of Bloomington are part of why we are such a strong, thriving, vibrant community,” said Mayor John Hamilton.  “This month, we honor that contribution and show our appreciation. Come spend a fun Saturday morning connecting in community and learning more about one another.” 

Hamilton will be greeting those attending the market and the Fiesta from 10:30 a.m. to noon as part of the Mayor at the Market program.   

Fiesta del Otoño is a partnership between the City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department and Gamma Phi Omega, the first Latina-oriented sorority founded at Indiana University.  

A complete list of the City’s Hispanic Heritage Month programming is available here.   Information about additional programming is available through IU’s La Casa Latino Cultural Center and El Central Comunal Latino.  

For additional information about Fiesta del Otoño, please contact Latino Outreach Coordinator Josefa Luce at lucej@bloomington.in.gov or by phone at 812-349-3860.

Farmers Market Parking

 

Family at Fiesta