Sept. 21, 2010

GETTYSBURG –Latin music, traditional dances and costumes, vibrant artwork, children’s activities, and a variety of Hispanic foods will fill The HUB student center from 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, during the annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the Gettysburg Campus of HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College.

The celebration is free and open to the community. 

            Mambo Combo is scheduled to perform Latin jazz improvisation with its signature-style reverence for classic Latin Salsa, Cumbia, Samba and Merengue. The group describes its repertoire as “a unique mix of traditional and original compositions and arrangements” and promises an “explosive blend of Latin rhythms from Cuba, Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rico.”

            The Pasos Caribenos Dance Group of York will make a repeat appearance with Latin folkloric dances. Wearing vibrant, elaborate costumes, the group’s presentation may include Plena, Jibaro, Seis de la Montana and Bomba from Puerto Rico; Merengue and Bachata from the Dominican Republic; Salsa from Cuba; Flamenco from Spain; and Tango from Argentina. This all-teenage dance group is dedicated to the positive promotion, preservation and education of the Latino culture through dance and entertainment. 

A buffet of foods from El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant will be supplemented with samples of postres (desserts) provided by students in HACC’s Acta non Verba bilingual club, who will also provide face painting and other activities for children. Tasting samples of Latino foods will be prepared by volunteers from the Hispanic American Center of Hanover. HACC students of various nationalities will prepare displays representing their native countries including Puerto Rico, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Chile.

On exhibit in the campus gallery hallway are several pieces of Latino-themed artwork including brightly colored paintings representing Brazil by Leonor Alvim Brazão, oil paintings of traditional scenes by Mara Odette, abstract digital art designs by Gustavo Rojas, Mexican retablo paintings and trainyard-themed serigraphs by Marta Sanchez, and three large commissioned portraits by Nikki Schirro. The exhibit will run through Oct. 15.

            HACC-Gettysburg Campus is located at 731 Old Harrisburg Road, near Weis markets and Adams County National Bank. For more information, call 337-3855 or visit www.hacc.edu.