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National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15, 2024) is quickly approaching, and there are so many ways to celebrate right here in Dutchess County! Experience the centuries-old Hispanic traditions and customs, the vibrant, colorful artwork and the savory, authentic flavors. Examine the important events that have shaped Hispanic history and the Spanish language that serves as a common thread in a proud multicultural tapestry.
Here is a list of some Dutchess events and attractions you don't want to miss. Be sure to take lots of photos, and feel free to share them here or by tagging @DutchessTourism on social media.
Multiple events at DCC, Poughkeepsie
Each year, Dutchess Community College hosts a series of diverse arts and culture programs that are open to the public during Hispanic Heritage Month. This year's schedule includes a viewing of "Frida," the documentary about artist Frida Kahlo, on Sept. 18; an art workshop titled "Drawing Inspiration from Frida Kahlo and the Ex-Votos" on Sept. 24; a viewing of the documentary "From Mambo to Hip-Hop: A South Bronx Tale" on Oct. 1; a Rumba workshop with dancer/choreographer Argelia Arreola on Oct. 8; a reading and conversation with poets Daniel Villegas and Edwin Torres on Oct. 10; a performance by Juntas Chicas, a female-fronted musical group, on Oct. 31. Click here for complete details.
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Friday, Sept. 6, 7:05 p.m. at Heritage Financial Park, Wappingers Falls
Begin your Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with the Hudson Valley Renegades baseball team, a Class-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. In true "lucha libre" style, the Renegades will take the field as the Fenomenos Enmascarados del Valle de Hudson (the Masked Phenoms of the Hudson Valley) when they host the Asheville Tourists in a South Atlantic League game. Stick around after the game for the fireworks display!
Click here for ticket options, including the Family Four Pack ($99 gets you four tickets, four hats and four meal vouchers) and the new WMCHealth Club Lounge premium experience for groups of 10–100 (each $81 ticket includes free parking in the priority lot, a multi-course meal prepared by an exclusive chef, private restrooms, and indoor, climate-controlled seating).
Friday, Sept. 20, 8 p.m. at the Howland Cultural Center, Beacon
Dan Garcia’s love of the Spanish guitar began right at home in his native Madrid. Dan’s solo performances featuring music from Spain and South America have been thrilling audiences across the country. Steeped in tradition, Dan’s repertoire features an array of influences, from the romantic compositions of Francisco Tarrega to the unforgettable melodies of Augustin Barrios. Click here to reserve tickets.
Sept. 12–Oct. 20 at Arts Mid-Hudson, Poughkeepsie
Arts Mid-Hudson's new exhibition highlights the diversity and richness of Hispanic culture through art and illuminates the cultural contributions of Hispanic, Latinx, and Afro-Latino artists in the Hudson Valley. It will be on display Sept. 12–Oct. 20 at Arts Mid-Hudson's Poughkeepsie gallery, which is open Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Be sure to stop by the opening reception on Sept. 17 from 5–7 p.m. Click here for complete details and to RSVP for the reception.
Saturday, Sept. 28, 4 p.m. at Kaal Rock Park, Poughkeepsie
Enjoy an electrifying night of Latin music and dance on the Poughkeepsie waterfront with the legendary Cuboricua, playing a mix of salsa, merengue, rumba and more! Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy the free concert. Dancing encouraged! Click here for updates.
Oct. 5 and 6 at the Fisher Center, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson
Leon Botstein and The Orchestra Now perform works by three of the leading Mexican symphonic composers of the 20th century: Manuel Ponce, who has been called the “father of Mexican Music;” Carlos Chavez; and Silvestre Revueltas. Click here to purchase tickets for either performance at the Sosnoff Theater at the Fisher Center. The Orchestra Now was founded by Botstein and is is Bard's graduate-level training orchestra. Click here to learn more about their upcoming 10th anniversary season.
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Thursday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the Bardavon 1869 Opera House, Poughkeepsie
Here is a bilingual Dia de Muertos musical adventure the whole family will love! "Sugar Skull!" incorporates traditional music and dance from Mexico to tell the story of 12-year-old Vita, who can't understand why her family is planning a celebration for deceased loved ones. When a charismatic candy skeleton suddenly comes to life, however, Vita finds herself on a musical journey to find the true meaning of Dia de Muertos. Click here to purchase tickets and watch a preview video.
Related: Top 10 Places to View Fall Foliage
Every summer at Waryas Park, Poughkeepsie
Oaxaca Week in Poughkeepsie culminates each summer with La Guelaguetza festival, a day-long celebration featuring traditional Oaxacan dances and costumes, artwork, crafts, live music, kids' activities and a whole lot of authentic Oaxacan food! Click here for updates.
What is a celebration without food?! Here are some of our top authentic restaurants you absolutely must try!
Hailing from the state of Oaxaca — the food capital of Mexico — La Cabanita: Cocina de Oaxaca in Poughkeepsie has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine right here in the Hudson Valley since 2003. Staying true to tradition, La Familia Pinelo-Cardenas captures a unique part of Oaxaca in each plate by using traditional slow-roasting techniques with only fresh herbs and spices. Bring your family and friends and try one of their delicious dishes made fresh from the griddle or a specialty cocktail! After a big plate of savory Oaxacan goodness, head over to El Chapulin Colorado in Poughkeepsie for authentic Mexican desserts. Choose from fresh fruit salads drizzled with chamoy (a spicy, honey-like sauce) or a pina loca, which is a whole pineapple stuffed with chunks of fruit!
For the perfect empanada or dessert to go with a hot cup of coffee, visit Los Hornitos Bakery and Restaurant, a warm and welcoming Chilean shop in Wappingers Falls. Named after the famous Chilean restaurant where owners Hector and Monica first met, Los Hornitos pays tribute to their roots and nostalgic memories. Freshly baked bread and custom cakes are also available.
"Bringing visitors La Isla Del Encanto (The Island of Enchantment) Inland One Dish At A Time," Cafe Con Leche is a family-owned and operated, authentic Puerto Rican eatery in Wappingers Falls. Chefs/owners Phil and Melodie serve up traditional plates from mofongo, pastelillos and pernil to new American concoctions like coquito latte and iced Bustelo coffee. One trip is not enough! Cafe con Leche was recently awarded Hudson Valley Magazine’s "Best of the Hudson Valley for Latin Cuisine and Best Caribbean Cuisine!"
Also in Wappingers Falls, the Flores Tapas Bar brings a taste of Spain to the Hudson Valley with its flavorful tapas, shareable paellas and entrees and signature craft cocktails! Order the Flores Experience off the Chef's Menu and enjoy a sampling of Chef Austin Flores' signature dishes, including the Jamon Iberico. Muy delicioso!
While in the area, quench your thirst at Casa Ortega, located in Wappingers Falls. A must-try is the refreshing Paloma made with tequila, grapefruit liqueur, freshly squeezed grapefruit, lime and passionfruit juice. If you want a bit of a kick, try the Kiwita made with vodka, peach liqueur, homemade kiwi marmalade and lime juice and served in a chili-powder-rimmed glass. This family-owned also specializes in modern and traditional Mexican cuisine, as chef Fermin Ortega cooks up lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
If you’re hungry for more Puerto Rican flavors with a perfect balance of savory and sweet, stop by Izla in Fishkill. This casual dining restaurant offers made-to-order food with complex flavors but no processed ingredients. They strive to create dishes that have a feels-like-home taste using traditional preparation methods rooted in Caribbean and Spanish cuisine.
The Coyote Flaco Mexican Bistro in Stanfordville offers a host of savory options for lunch and dinner, including a variety of fajita dishes for every palate (veggies, chicken, steak, shrimp and salmon) and plenty of grilled chicken and steak entrees.
Head over to La Puerta Azul in Millbrook for a tasty variety of Mexican dishes, including an assortment of tacos, fajitas and burritos. Seafood lovers may want to try the blackened mahi-mahi tacos with cucumber, red onion and lime aioli or the camarones enchipotaldo, which is sauteed shrimp with a chipotle lime salsa, sweet corn rice, avocado and black beans.
Tito Santana Taqueria in Beacon serves up all sorts of delicious Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Keep it simple with the kale and sweet potato burrito bowl, which comes with rice, beans, corn, cheese, salsa and guacamole, or try something a bit more adventurous, like the Cubano quesadilla, which has pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard and mayonnaise.
Keep in mind that each restaurant has its own business hours and some are closed on certain days. Be sure to check ahead!
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