Wednesday, September 11, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Largo, Maryland – In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) will be hosting more than 50 programs for children, teens, adults, and families that celebrate the culture and traditions of Mexico, Central and South America, Spain, Portugal, and the wider Hispanic diaspora.

The month-long celebration includes standout events such as a pair of fun bilingual plays for children presented by Teatro La Bolsa (“La gallina y la tortilla de maíz” and “Travel Buddies: Dancing Through Latin America!”), as well as a painting class for adults with Olympic Artist Jesse Raudales where participants will get to explore the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos. Library visitors can also look forward to a variety of dance parties and performances in partnership with presenters from the Cultural Dance Center, the GET Dance Company, and Coaching Salud Holistica that will feature the music and dance traditions of Colombia, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Brazil.

“The library system’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to celebrate many aspects of the rich and multifaceted aspects of Hispanic history and culture,” says Dr. Mark Winston, Chief Executive Officer of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. “As an organization, we are enthusiastic about the programs, events, and collections that honor so many aspects of Hispanic heritage. We invite all to join us.”

The Library’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations will additionally include a number of engaging book discussions and film screenings, including a screening of the 2021 musical “In the Heights” at the Fairmount Heights Branch Library on September 16, and a discussion of “Ordesa” by Manuel Vilas at the Bladensburg Branch Library on October 11. Kids will be able to join the festivities by participating in a variety of special “Crafternoon” programs tailored especially for them. They will be invited to learn about more than a dozen different Hispanic art traditions, including alebrijes (from Mexico), molas (from Panama), and muñecas quitapenas (from Guatemala).

Complete details for featured PGCMLS Hispanic Heritage Month events are below. For a full overview of Hispanic Heritage Month events at PGCMLS, please visit the Library’s Hispanic Heritage Hub.

Featured PGCMLS Events Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Craft and Create: Recreating “Day of the Dead” with Acrylic Paint

Presented by Olympic Artist Jesse Raudales

Free | Tuesday, September 16 at 6 pm | Adults | Hillcrest Heights Branch Library  

Free | Wednesday, September 17 at 6 pm | Adults | Hyattsville Branch Library

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, this art class for adults invites participants to explore the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos through the medium of acrylic painting. Led by Olympic Artist Jesse Raudales, students will recreate his piece “Day of the Dead” while learning about cultural symbolism, color theory, and painting techniques.

The Hen and the Corn Tortilla / La gallina y la tortilla de maíz

Presented by Teatro La Bolsa

Free | Wednesday, September 17 at 6 pm | Ages 0-12 | New Carrollton Branch Library

Turuleca the Hen is looking for help to cook corn tortillas. Will the farm animals lend a hand? Teatro La Bolsa, a local Latin American theater company, presents a bilingual play for children that highlights the values of friendship, solidarity, and sharing!

Babychata: Baila con tu Bebé: Ages 0-2

Presented by Coaching Salud Holistica

Free | Saturday, September 20 at 11 am | Ages 0-2 | Accokeek Branch Library

Celebrate Welcoming Week with the Library and Coaching Salud Holistica by moving and have fun! “Babychata: Baila con tu Bebé” combines dance and health education for pregnant individuals and caregivers of babies under 2 years old. Coaching Salud Holistica's R.A.I.Z initiative (Resources, Access, Information & Zones of Support) will be providing information on health related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum to parents at this program.

Colombia: Land of Bambucos Dance Performance

Presented by the Cultural Dance Center

Free | Saturday, September 20 at 1 pm | All Ages | Spauldings Branch Library

Colombia is known for many rich cultural traditions — from the vibrant rhythms of cumbia to the colorful Barranquilla Carnival. But there’s even more to experience! Join us for a live dance performance celebrating bambuco, a traditional Colombian dance from the country’s interior regions.

Get Active: Latin American Dance

Presented by GET Dance Company

Free | Wednesday, September 24 at 6 pm | Kids to Adults | Accokeek Branch Library

Enjoy Latin American culture through dance, music, and movement! You’ll explore the vibrant traditions of Colombia, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Brazil through engaging storytelling, captivating dance performances, and guided instruction of basic steps from each unique dance style.

¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa

Presented by the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino

Free | Wednesday, September 24 at 6 pm | Adults | Laurel Branch Library

Free | Wednesday, October 8 at 6 pm | Adults | Beltsville Branch Library

Let's explore “¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa,” the upcoming music exhibition from the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino. Opening in Spring 2026, this bilingual exhibition explores how Afro-Cuban music evolved into a signature sound in the United States and traces the roots and rise of salsa music through nearly 300 objects. Highlighting artists from Tito Puente and Celia Cruz to local legends and under-the-radar pioneers, “¡Puro Ritmo!” celebrates salsa as one of America's great musical traditions.

Travel Buddies: Dancing Through Latin America!

Presented by Teatro La Bolsa

Free | Wednesday, October 1 at 6 pm |Ages 0-12 | Upper Marlboro Branch Library

Step into the captivating world of this bilingual play as Alre and Quines, accompanied by their magical bag, breathe life into enchanting tales. Join the Harlequins and their diverse group of friends on thrilling adventures across different countries, immersing themselves in vibrant cultures, music, and dances. Discover the power of friendship and the beauty of global connections in this extraordinary theatrical journey. Presented in both Spanish and English.

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About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is a beacon within its diverse and dynamic community. The Library serves Prince George’s County, Maryland’s 966,000+ residents through 19 public branches, a law library in the County Correctional Center, various pop-up services and events, and 24/7 access to free online resources. As a trusted and responsive community leader, PGCMLS democratizes knowledge and opportunity by providing safe, accessible spaces where customers of all backgrounds can freely engage with the resources needed to build knowledge, literacy, skills, and creativity at every phase of life. Learn more at pgcmls.info/about-us.