Burton Street Community Center (134 Burton Street) is becoming known for fun events that explore Hispanic and Latino heritage. From the quirky Cinco de Star War to monthly Latin cuisine classes with Chef Martina Valdez, the center has successfully struck a balance between creating authentic, welcoming spaces for Hispanic and Latino families that are also accessible and inviting for others looking to explore cultures outside of their own. Asheville Parks & Recreation invites the entire community to a Celebración de la Herencia Hispana (Hispanic Heritage Celebration) at Burton Street Community Center on October 21 from 6-9:30 p.m.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15-October 15 each year, but Asheville City Council has issued a local proclamation naming both September and October as Latinx Heritage Months. The Burton Street team intentionally chose a date outside of September 15-October 15 to allow other organizations to host events and extend the recognition of Hispanic and Latin American community members’ contributions to the local community.
The celebration is planned as a true fiesta with music, dancing, and traditional Latin cuisine. At dusk, partygoers can enjoy an outdoor presentation of Disney’s Encanto, a heartwarming message of a magical family who live in the mountains of Columbia with gorgeous animation and catchy songs.
There is no cost to attend, but advanced registration at ashevillenc.gov/parks is encouraged to allow organizers to plan food needs and other logistics. Parking is limited, so guests are encouraged to carpool or walk, skate, or ride bikes.
Asheville Parks & Recreation
Established in 1956, Asheville Parks & Recreation manages a unique collection of more than 65 public parks, playgrounds, and open spaces throughout the city in a system that also includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, Riverside Cemetery, sports fields and courts, and community centers that offer a variety of wellness-, education-, and culture-related programs for Ashevillians of all ages. With 8 miles of paved greenways and numerous natural surface trails, its complete portfolio acts as the foundation of a vibrant hub for the people of Asheville to connect with their neighbors and explore the natural beauty of a livable and walkable city.
Driven by the promise that Asheville is a better and safer place when everyone from infants to retirees has the opportunity to be supported, healthy, and successful, Asheville Parks & Recreation was the first nationally-accredited municipal recreation department in the United States. For the latest updates, follow the department on Facebook @aprca and Instagram @ashevilleparksandrecreation or visit www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.