From 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, October 11, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Park Place Mall — it’s going to be an evening of culture, art, and tradition.
Head on over to 5870 E. Broadway Blvd. and look for the huge mural being painted by local artist Jessica Gonzales — it’s said to be Arizona’s largest mural yet. Plus, there’s going to be dance performances by Ballet Folklorico Tapatio and snacks to munch on.
Honor Mexican Cuisine
Near the food court, there’s going to be a variety of food vendors (TBD) and activities for the family.
Also, don’t miss out on an exclusive treat! The first 300 attendees who show a receipt from any local retailer or food vendor will be rewarded with local goodies, including authentic Mexican pastries from La Estrella Bakery, vegan doughnuts from Le Cave’s Bakery, and handcrafted Mexican candy from other local artisans.
Arizona’s Largest Mural
As mentioned earlier, the mural is from the mind of local artist Jessica Gonzales. The impressive piece of art will span a staggering 26,000 square feet! Gonzales’s proposal was selected for its unique ability to capture the essence of Tucson and resonate with visitors of all ages.
“I wanted the artwork to convey the impact of standing before a majestic saguaro,” said Gonzales. “Tucson is a renowned destination for mural art, and I’m honored to contribute a piece that showcases our desert’s beauty on such a large scale.”
The mural is in progress and expected to be completed by the end of the month.
“We’re excited to support our local art community in a meaningful way and enhance the beauty of our center with this incredible piece,” said Brighid Dawson, general manager of Park Place Mall. “This mural is a testament to the talent and creativity of our community and will be a wonderful addition to Tucson’s cultural landscape.”
Live Performances with Ballet Folklorico Tapatio
Ballet Folklórico Tapatío, which is celebrating its 27th anniversary this year, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established under the direction of master dance instructor Sergio Valle, owner and founder Eduardo Baca Sr., and Lupe Klein Aviles.
Ballet Folklórico Tapatío has over 150 members participating in four different levels: Pequeños, Principiantes, Infantil, Juvenil, Adultos, and Grupo Oficial. Ballet Folklórico Tapatío has performed throughout the U.S. and Mexico and is recognized as one of the finest folklórico programs in the nation.
Free Arts & Crafts Activities
Bring the whole family to the Food Court Kids Indoor Play Space for a hands-on celebration of Hispanic Heritage. Kids can dive into making beautiful paper flowers, explore their creativity with festive coloring activities, and enjoy a variety of other heritage-themed arts and crafts.
The celebration is happening from 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, October 11 — get there early and have a great time!
The Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration is taking place at Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway Blvd. For more information, follow SAACA on Facebook.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
