Hispanic Heritage Month at NLRPLS: Wrestling, Folklórico, and a Whole Lot More

Hispanic Heritage Month runs September 15 through October 15, and NLRPLS has programs happening across the whole month for every age. The centerpiece is Saturday, September 26, when the Laman Lecture Hall hosts two very different celebrations in a single day.

Saturday, September 26: Two Events, One Room

Morning belongs to the Health and Heritage Celebration, Celebración: Feria de Salud y Legado, running 10 AM-1 PM in the Laman Lecture Hall. Expect a health fair, live music, and a folklórico dance performance. It's designed for every age, from infants to adults, so bring the whole family and plan to stay a while.

That evening, the same room turns into a wrestling venue. Rasslin' at the Library brings Natural State Rasslin' to Laman for a night of lucha libre. Masked wrestlers will square off live in the ring, and you can expect exciting matches and feats of strength and power. Doors open at 6:15 PM and the first bell is at 7 PM. The event is free and open to all ages, but seating is limited, so arrive early. Donations to the library are accepted at the door, and concessions will be available for donation-based purchase.

Leading Up to the 26th

Tweens can pick up a Hispanic Heritage Month Activity Pack at Laman starting Friday, September 18. It's a self-guided introduction to Hispanic people, culture, and traditions, available any time the library is open.

Teens who want the backstory before the matches should head to the Loft on Wednesday, September 23 from 4:30-6 PM for Lucha Libre History. We'll trace the origins of masked wrestling in Mexico, talk about why it carries the cultural weight it does, and watch clips from films and real matches.

Keeping It Going

The celebration doesn't stop when the last bell rings. On Tuesday, September 29 from 4:30-6 PM, the Loft hosts Papel Picado Art. Teens will learn the history and purpose of this traditional Mexican folk art, then use scissors and X-Acto blades to cut intricate designs into tissue paper. Hang one on your wall or string several together into a banner. All materials are provided and no experience is needed.

October brings three more. Teens can compete for prizes at Music Trivia in the Loft on Wednesday, October 7 from 4:30-6 PM. On Tuesday, October 13 from 4:30-6 PM, Teens in the Kitchen: Elote digs into the history and cultural significance of the corn dish and its roots in Mexican street markets. And we close out the month on Thursday, October 15 with a Hispanic Heritage Scavenger Hunt at Laman for kids and tweens, running all day.

Everything Is Free

Every program listed here is free and open to the public. No registration is required unless noted on the individual event page. See the full lineup any time on our event calendar.