4 Ways To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
In Bergen, it’s easy to embrace the culture through music, food, charity and more.
In the 2020 census, 21.41 percent of Bergen’s population identified as Hispanic or Latino, which gives all of us ample reason to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 until Oct. 14).
Whether you’re honoring your own roots or supporting your friends and neighbors, our county offers plenty of options to get in on the festivities. Here are a few ways:
Listen to tunes.
If music is your preferred form of celebration, you’re in luck. On Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m., you can head to Ramapo College’s Berrie Center for the Arts and listen to Tito Puente Jr. and His Latin Jazz Orchestra, a 12-piece ensemble that brings the spirit of the Mambo King right to Bergen County. The college will be hosting a dance party with food for purchase and a DJ beforehand, from 4:30 p.m. until showtime. On Sunday, Sept. 22, you can join the party at Musical Fiesta of Latin & Hispanic Countries, hosted by the Fair Lawn Library. International concert violinist David Podles will take you on a musical journey from Mexico to Panama to Uruguay to Brazil—and that’s just the start. The fun starts at 2 p.m.
Grab a bite.
Bergen has no shortage of incredible, authentic Latin food for you to sample and enjoy. For only a few options, check out any of our 2023 or 2024 Readers’ Choice Award picks for best Mexican restaurant: Blue Moon Mexican Café in Wyckoff, Jalapeños Mexican Bar & Grill in Glen Rock, Pancho’s Burritos in New Milford and El Azteca Mexican Restaurant in Mahwah, Park Ridge and Waldwick. A more specific cuisine? One of our editors recently visited Bogota’s Bistro Taino, where the rich flavors of Puerto Rico came alive (our editor recommends the chicharron de Bayamon).
Support local businesses.
Consider going out and supporting your neighbors at one of Bergen’s many Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses. For instance, try Rey Sol Coffee in Ridgewood for in-house roasted beans and Colombian food favorites and then stop by Namaste Organic Spa, also in Ridgewood, for massages, facials and deep relaxation. Want a dinner destination? Try Lula’s Latin Cuisine, with locations in both Bergenfield and Lodi.
Support good causes.
If you’re looking for a way to do more for the Hispanic and Latino communities this month, consider donating to or supporting a Bergen-based charity that serves them. One option, Hackensack-based Latin American Institute for Social Services, offers everything from food assistance to legal advice. You can also support the far-reaching Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ), which is based in Rutherford and seeks to give Hispanic small business owners the tools they need to thrive. A business owner yourself? Reach out to Bergen Community College’s LatinxCEO program and allow BCC students to visit your headquarters or shadow your employees to give them valuable job skills. If you want to donate your time instead and you speak Spanish, Bergen CASA is always looking for Spanish-speaking volunteers to help Hispanic children in need.
How are you celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month? Let us know on Instagram @bergenmagnj!
