How can I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on Temple University’s campus and in the city of Philadelphia?
Temple’s dining hall, The Dish at Johnson and Hardwick, has many Hispanic dishes. Typically, there is a station where you can hand create your own nacho platter based on what you want on it. In addition, there is a station where you can have Hispanic dishes made in front of you too.
Furthermore, we have several Hispanic food trucks littered around campus for you to try if the dining options at Temple start to bore you. Locals own them, so it is a fantastic way to give back to the community you call home for the next four years.
And if you like your American twist on Hispanic food we have a Chipotle near the View at Montgomery. Even better, you can explore local Philadelphia restaurants as you adventure away from campus.
Another way you can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is by joining organizations at Temple’s campus that uplifts and observes Hispanic culture.
Some clubs to consider joining are the Afro Latino Student Alliance (an advocacy group that promotes unity in Afro-Latino cultures), Spanish Club (a general interest club of the language), Escensia Latina (Latin dance club), and Asocision de Etudiantes Latinos.
These organizations are a terrific way if you are a member of the Hispanic community to find friends who are like you. Additionally, if you are an ally of Hispanic culture and you would like to know more about a culture that is not your own; it is a great way to celebrate as they will oftentimes have free food, and community events to spread unity on campus.
Even if you are not sure of joining a club, they will be happy to have you show up and partake in their events. A wise person once said, “one event can plant a seed of lifetime membership and memories.”
What are some women catered events in Philadelphia?
To repeat the sentiment earlier, if you would like to try Hispanic cuisine, you should also consider buying it from a women owned business. Cristina Martinez is a lauded chef in the Philadelphia region and the United States who curates authentic Mexican catering through her brands of Casa Mexico (Mexican House) and South Philly Barbacoa.
Her catering makes it easy to celebrate Hispanic heritage wherever you are in the greater Philadelphia metro region. In addition to trying women owned restaurants in Philadelphia, you can attend Hispanic Heritage Month events in Philly.
For example, on Oct. 10th, Live! Philly there is a Hispanic Heritage Month gala designed exclusively for women in mind by The Powerhouse Women of Philadelphia. Also check Visitphiladelphia.com for amazing affordable events if you cannot fork up $215 for the gala.
Some event examples are the Magic Gardens hosting an exhibition of Mexican art by Ivette Chaires until Nov. 8, The Fringe Festival will have some Latin shows like Let Freedom Ring, Amor/Libertad, and Agos y Viento, the Free Library of Philadelphia will have weekly programming Hispanic Heritage month, and many more events too.
With all these amazing events and opportunities to celebrate Hispanic Heritage on Temple’s campus and our wonderful city of Philadelphia, how will you choose to celebrate? All it takes is one small conversation with your friends to delve into new experiences of opportunities within a culture you have some familiarity with.