Charlotte Hosts Vibrant Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration this Weekend

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Charlotte!

Hey, Charlotte! Get ready for an exciting weekend filled with culture, delicious food, and local business support. This Saturday, September 21, our city is transforming into a vibrant hub of Hispanic heritage, and you won’t want to miss out!

What’s Happening?

Nearly two dozen Latino small businesses will be coming together at Resident Culture located at 2101 Central Avenue. From noon to 6 PM, you’ll get the chance to explore a variety of mouth-watering food and unique handmade products, all while grooving to some infectious music and dance.

The Heart Behind the Event

This fantastic gathering is hosted by The Comunidad, which means “community” in Spanish. Norma Zuniga, who owns the adorable Dulce Dreams Café and leads the initiative, emphasized how crucial this event is for local Latino entrepreneurs. “It’s a chance for people to get to know their local Latino entrepreneurs, who can sometimes have a harder time getting visibility,” she explained passionately.

A Taste of Many Cultures

Norma went on to share the exciting diversity in store for the community. “We’re going to have a little bit of everything,” she said enthusiastically. Expect to sample delicious dishes from Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Mexico, and other Latin American countries. It’s like taking a little culinary tour without leaving the heart of Charlotte!

But it’s not just about the food! You’ll also get to meet friendly business owners eager to share their stories and connect with the community. “It’s really hard for us to get our business name out there. So, that’s why I started this market to get small business names out there… and this is a great opportunity for a lot of people to come and just get to know the businesses and the people,” Zuniga said.

Fun and Festivities

The event boasts more than just delicious taste tests and shopping. From noon to 2 PM, there will be a special meet-and-greet with none other than Mirabel from the animated film Encanto. This is sure to bring smiles to both kids and adults alike! After that, the dancing starts at 2 PM. Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to shake it to the rhythm!

Wider Impacts of the Event

It’s important to note that Latinos are the fastest-growing demographic in North Carolina as well as across the U.S. According to the Treasury Department, this vibrant community is also among the fastest-growing segments of new business owners. While Latinos represent less than 20% of the U.S. population, they accounted for a remarkable 25% of new business applications in 2021. This growth is particularly evident as many seek to establish their businesses in the post-pandemic era.

Join the Celebration!

This weekend’s gathering is not just a celebration of culture and businesses; it’s a chance for all of us to show our support for the brilliant Latino community here in Charlotte. So, whether you’re a foodie, a dancer, or just someone who loves community events, mark your calendar and head on over!

Remember, it’s happening at Resident Culture on Central Avenue, this Saturday from noon to 6 PM. Bring your friends, your family, and your appetite for culture. Let’s make this an unforgettable celebration!