September 20, 2022
Dear Neighbors,

Hispanic Heritage Month, runs from September 15th to October 15th, and is an annual celebration of the rich history, culture, diversity, influence and contributions of the Latino and Hispanic communities to our entire society. As the first Latina to serve on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I look forward to presenting a proclamation with Chairman McKay at the October 11th Board Meeting to designate September 15th through October 15th as Hispanic Heritage Month in Fairfax County.
 
September 15th was chosen as the starting point for the commemoration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Hispanic countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, all who declared independence in 1821. Additionally, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18 respectively. Here in Fairfax County, individuals of Hispanic/Latinx descent make up 16.5% of the population and the influence of our rich cultures on our local community is reflected in the cuisine, activities, and events we enjoy here throughout the year.
 
Below you can read more about how Fairfax County celebrates, and get ideas on the many ways you can celebrate and embrace Hispanic Heritage Month!

Sincerely,
Supervisor Dalia Palchik
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Fairfax County
Zumba at Rec Centers

In honor of this occasion, Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers are featuring Zumba classes. During class, you can expect a mix of low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party. Zumba has often been called exercise in disguise.

You can join the party at your local Rec Centers during the following:
  • Mount Vernon Rec Center - Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 9:30AM
  • Oak Marr Rec Center - Sunday, Sept. 25 at 10AM
  • Spring Hill Rec Center – Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 10AM

Another low-impact alternative is Aqua Zumba, a shallow-water exercise class at Lee District Rec Center on Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 10AM. There is less impact on your joints during an Aqua Zumba class, so you can really let loose. Water creates natural resistance, which means every step is more challenging and helps tone your muscles.

General admission fee applies; no registration or membership is required. Contact the Rec Center directly for specific questions.

For more information on Hispanic Heritage Month events at Fairfax County parks, visit the Mi Conexion al Parque webpage. 
Events at Community Centers

The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services is celebrating with events at several community centers. This month pays tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.

Join the celebration at these NCS community center events:
  • Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at Hybla Valley Community Center in Alexandria, September 24 from 1PM to 4PM. This event will be potluck style, and they are asking families to provide a Hispanic dish they love. There will also be games and fun activities for the community.
  • Hispanic Heritage Celebration at Reston Teen Center on October 7 from 4PM to 5PM.
  • Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at Sully Community Center in Herndon, October 15 from 10AM to 1PM. Celebrate and learn about Hispanic culture with food, music, arts and crafts and more.

For more events at NCS Community Centers, Teen Centers and Senior Centers, visit the NCS website.
Visit Fairfax Article
Photo from Visit Fairfax
Whether you are looking to celebrate through food, dance, live music, or learning, this Visit Fairfax article contains different ways you can celebrate and embrace the Hispanic culture in Fairfax County and the Capital Region.
Contact Us
We want to hear from you! Please reach out to us with questions, comments or just to say hello. Please feel free to email us with events you would like to be included in my newsletter.

Office Phone: (703) 560-6946 | Email: Providence@fairfaxcounty.gov