Long Beach Public Library Presents Vida Latina: A Month-Long Celebration of Latin(e) Heritage
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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - As the fall season approaches, the Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) is gearing up to celebrate Vida Latina, a month-long series of free events that honor the rich heritage and traditions of Latin(e) communities. From September 13th to October 15th, all 12 LBPL locations will host a variety of programs for all ages that showcase the diversity of Latin American cultures.

Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his pride in the city's celebration of Vida Latina, stating, "Long Beach is proud to celebrate Vida Latina, a time when our community comes together to honor the history, traditions, and creativity of our Latin community." He also emphasized how these events highlight the richness of Latin American culture and its ongoing impact on the city.

This year's theme for Vida Latina is "Unity and Herencia," which celebrates coming together to recognize the roots, resilience, and cultural connections that unite the community across the Latin(e) diaspora. Through various forms of art, storytelling, food, and dance, Vida Latina provides an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the past, embrace the present, and look towards a united future.

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Cathy De Leon, Director of Long Beach's Department of Library Arts and Culture shared her excitement for this year's celebration. "Vida Latina is a celebration of unity, resilience and heritage," she said. "This year we are especially proud to highlight how Latin American culture enriches our community and connects us across generations." De Leon also emphasized how through art, dance, storytelling and food; the library aims to create opportunities for families and neighbors to come together in celebration of their roots while learning from one another.

Throughout the month-long celebration, special events will take place at various locations across Long Beach. One such event is Cruisin' Long Beach: Celebrando la Cultura Lowrider at Mark Twain Neighborhood Library on October 3rd. This unique event will feature a lowrider car show, a mobile art gallery with Drive Savant Foundation's DSF Werks project, and hands-on crafts and activities that celebrate lowrider culture in style. For adults, select branches will also host Paint Your Own Cantaritos events, providing an opportunity to enjoy art, tradition, and community in a hands-on way.

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Vida Latina will also feature special guests throughout the month to make the celebration even more exciting. Bilingual storyteller Josue Cuentacuentos will share his energetic Selena Storytime at multiple branches. Acclaimed author Kayden Phoenix, creator of the Latina Superhero graphic novels, will lead a fun Create Your Own Superhero workshop at Bach Neighborhood Library on October 11th. Mike Alfaro, the creative force behind Sí Sabo Kids and Millennial Lotería, will also be present for an author talk at Billie Jean King Main Library on October 11th. Local artist Ruby Clouds, a Latin Alternative duo blending English and Spanish lyrics, will host a special after-hours event at Los Altos Neighborhood Library on October 10th where music and literature come together. And Yo Sabo Game creators will bring their lively game night to Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library on September 30th.

The festivities will conclude with Vida Latina: La Gran Tardeada on October 15th at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library. This lively evening will bring the community together for live music, dancing, and family-friendly crafts - the perfect way to close out a month of cultural celebration.

The Library's Vida Latina celebration is made possible by generous support from Long Beach Public Library Foundation and the Port of Long Beach. For a full schedule of programs and more information about Vida Latina events, visit the library events calendar or call 562-570-7500.

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