Celebrating Hispanic Heritage in Columbia, S.C.
Columbia, South Carolina, is a vibrant city, and a big part of its colorful tapestry comes from its Hispanic population. As of 2022, Hispanics account for about 5.94% of the city’s residents, contributing to the rich cultural landscape of this charming Capital City. This demographic is part of a larger national story where, according to the U.S. Census, there are now a whopping 63.7 million Hispanics in the United States, marking them as the largest racial or ethnic minority group in the country.
A Time to Celebrate
Every year, from September 15 to October 15, the nation turns its eyes to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. This month not only honors the diverse cultures and histories of Hispanic Americans but also coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of several Latin American countries. Here in Columbia, the festivities kick off with events like the Main Street Latin Festival, where people gather to embrace the spirit of this celebration.
This Year’s Theme
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” This theme encourages us to recognize the leaders in our community who are making a difference. While names like Cesar Chavez or Dolores Huerta may come to mind, it’s equally important to acknowledge the local champions who embody the essence of Hispanic culture.
Local Contributions
Consider the inspiring story of Mercedes Lopez Rodriguez, who ventured to the U.S. from Colombia more than a decade ago. In 2013, Mercedes became an Assistant Professor of Colonial Spanish American Literature at the University of South Carolina. She doesn’t just teach; she shares her rich culture with her students while working on her book, “Feeling the Other,” which explores emotions in Colombia between 1850 and 1970. Her colleague, Andres Felipe Arroyave, also brings a unique perspective as a son of Colombian immigrants, currently instructing Spanish at the same university.
Hispanic Culture in Schools
Our schools are treasure troves of cultural education. At Caughman Elementary, for instance, teacher Lina Zapata introduced her students to street games from Latin America. It’s not just about education; it’s about weaving cultural threads into the fabric of their everyday learning experience. Over in Richland County School District Two, the “Parade of Nations” celebrates diverse flags and cultures with music, food, and dance.
Food: A Cultural Connection
Speaking of food, it’s a universal language that brings people together, and there’s no better example than A Fuego 787, a Puerto Rican restaurant that serves dishes infused with love and tradition. Owner Jessica Pagan believes that food is an important embodiment of culture, emphasizing staples like “arroz con gandules” (rice with pigeon peas) that keep her heritage alive and well in South Carolina.
Arts and Crafts: A Hands-On Approach
Then there’s Luz Moody, a Mexico City native and owner of Luzma Mexican Apparel, whose handmade earrings and clothing reflect the artistry of her homeland. Through pop-up shops, she shares her culture, showcasing tangible pieces that tell stories and foster connections.
Dancing Through Cultures
Additionally, dance groups like Culturas Sin Fronteras Universal led by Jessica Torres celebrate Mexican folklore through vibrant performances. For six years, this group has made it their mission to spread the joy of Hispanic culture throughout the Midlands, reminding everyone that while Latin American countries have differing customs, the pride in being Hispanic unites them.
Every Day is a Celebration
So, as we dive into this vibrant month of celebrations, let’s remember that the Hispanic community plays a crucial role in shaping Columbia. From the classrooms to local businesses, and city festivals, the colors of Hispanic culture shine throughout the year.
Embrace and explore the rich diversity that our Hispanic neighbors bring, because there’s always more to learn and celebrate in this beautiful mosaic called Columbia!
