Every year Hispanic Heritage Month rolls around, and every year I look forward to seeing my culture and people in the limelight. Whether it's walking on campus with corridos playing in my headphones or making picadillo for dinner, I'll never miss a chance to celebrate the culture of my people.
Hispanic Heritage Month is this Sept. 15 to Oct. 15., and The Echo has got you covered with a selection of Latino film, music and events to help reflect on the Hispanic experience and to celebrate the works of Latin artists and innovators.
The Latino coming of age in film
"Real Women Have Curves"
Like many other coming of age films, "Real Women Have Curves" explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the longing teenagers feel for that first taste of freedom in college. It shapes all this through the first-generation Mexican American perspective.
It's a beautiful homage to Latina women and depicts a raw, sometimes ugly look at generational trauma, familial relationships and the guilt first-generation students can feel being the one to "make it out."
But on the other side of that same coin, the film is a masterclass in hope, determination and the power of a Mexican American woman.
"Ya no estoy aquí"
"Ya no estoy aquí" was Mexico's submission for best international feature film at the 2021 Oscars. The film was shortlisted, making it one of the potential nominees. It is a somber and aching portrayal of unexpectedly leaving all you've ever known against your own will.
The movie follows the story of a teenager, Ulises Sampiero, who has to flee to New York from Monterrey, Mexico after conflicts with a local cartel. It's a story about home, and how even if you're miles away, the memory of your culture and loved ones lives on.
"Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"
Arguably one of the best superhero films ever made, "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" is the story of Miles Morales after he is — you guessed it — bitten by a radioactive spider. The film is fun, endearing and brought to life through fantastic animation. It's so special to see an Afro-Puerto Rican character carry the mantle of Spiderman, one of pop culture's biggest heroes.
Musical nostalgia: Songs every Hispanic kid knows
It's time to admit it: our moms and dads had taste growing up. This Hispanic Heritage Month, reflect on those Latino artists your family had playing when you were younger. You might just discover how well they hold up today.
Luis Miguel
"El Sol de México" himself was my mortal enemy growing up. I could always tell whenever my mom was cleaning on Saturday mornings because Luis Miguel was blaring through our TV speakers. Having matured over the years, I now understand what she was getting at.
His '90s albums "Romance" and "Segundo Romance" are a fantastical blend of jazz and blues-influenced bolero pop that have you feeling like the luxurious main female character in a telenovela.
Selena Quintanilla
Who would forget about the "Queen of Tejano music" herself? Selena is one of those once in a generation talents who still holds a grand impact on the Mexican American music scene to this day.
Her album "Amor Prohibido" is one of those pieces that transports you back in time. Envisioning the the '90s bangs, hoop earrings and bold red lips as you sing is a surefire way for Hispanic kids to transport to their youth and the backyard functions where Selena was playing.
Romeo Santos
Bachata is one of those genres that you feel in your soul. If there is anyone that tíos and tías were playing back in the day, it was Romeo Santos.
The singer was the lead vocalist for the band Aventura before releasing his own solo work in the 2010s. If you ever want to immerse yourself in storytelling and, yes, be a little dramatic, Santos has got you covered with music drenched in passion and rhythm.
Celebrate in person
Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to get out there and celebrate your own culture while engaging with that of others. Here are some events happening this month in the Valley.
Indígena: A Latin American Indigenous celebration
Explore and celebrate the Indigenous peoples of Latin America with the Cultural Coalition. Get a chance to see live performances, taste new food and watch an Indigenous Fashion Show. The event will be held at the Tempe Center for the Arts on Oct. 12 from 2 to 5 p.m., and admission is free.
Make wooden papel picado signs with the Phoenix Public Library
Decorate your own nicho for the Phoenix Public Library's special display for Día de los Muertos, to honor the lives of ancestors passed. Design and cut a wooden papel picado sign to decorate your own nicho display using the library's Glowforge laser cutter.
The event will be held at the Cholla Library on Oct. 11 from 3 to 4 p.m. Space is limited, so check in with the library information desk 30 minutes before the event to secure tickets.
Celebrate at ASU
ASU is hosting events all month long on each campus for Hispanic Heritage Month to highlight the impact of Latino students, educators and trailblazers.
READ MORE: Honoring history: A guide to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month across ASU
From speakers to specialty screenings and art exhibitions, ASU has something for everyone on campus to explore and learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month.
Edited by Kasturi Tale, Senna James, Tiya Talwar and Pippa Fung.
Reach the reporter at jagon128@asu.edu.
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Jazlyn Gonzales is junior studying Journalism and Mass Communication. This is her third semester with the State Press. She has also interned at KJZZ.
