THE REVERE ADVOCATE–Friday, October 18 , 2019 Page 15 First Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Fiesta celebrates culture through art, music, food and dance By Tara Vocino T he histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico and the Caribbean as well as Central and South America were recognized during Hispanic Heritage Month’s first annual Fiesta on Tuesday night at Revere City Hall. Hispanic Heritage Month spans from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The day of Sept. 15 is significant, as it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Representatives from those and other Latin cultures celebrated their heritage through food, drink, art, music and dance. As the Pledge of Allegiance was recited in Spanish, Latino residents received awards for their accomplishments, and Ward 5 City Councillor John Powers spoke about Revere’s migration history. Mayor Brian Arrigo said diversity is one of Revere’s greatest strengths. “An important priority for my administration has been making sure all residents feel welcome and Revere remains a city of opportunity for everyone,” Arrigo said. “Hispanic Heritage Month gives us the opportunity to recognize the Hispanic individuals and business owners who have contributed so much to our community.” Tara Vocino may be reached at printjournalist1@gmail.com. Community Health Improvement Award recipient Dr. Sylvia Chiang-Raposo with her husband, Joseph, and son, Joseph, 9. Alberto Vasallo III – the President/CEO of El Mundo newspaper and 100% shareholder of Caribe Communications and Publications, the newspaper’s parent company – was honored as a distinguished Latino Revere resident. Mayor Brian Arrigo awards Revere CARES Founder Dr. Sylvia Chiang-Raposo the Community Health Improvement Award for her work at Massachusetts General Hospital in Revere. Artist Oldren Romero Leyva with School Committee Member Stacey Rizzo, Councillor-at-Large Steven Morabito, School Committee Vice Chair Michael Ferrante and Councillor-at-Large Jessica Giannino inside the lobby. Showing their support, Ward 5 City Councillor John Powers, School Committee Member Carol Tye, On The Rise Award recipient Juan Jaramillo, Community Health Improvement Award recipient Dr. Sylvia Chiang-Raposo and School Committee Member Stacey Rizzo. Liana Jorge Matute, who is of Peruvian descent, leads a traditional customs parade. School Committee Member Stacey Rizzo, event organizer JuanCarlos Ferrufino, Mayor Brian Arrigo and Ward 5 City Councillor John Powers Members of Rockola (Jukebox) Band – Jorge Ortiz on flute, Cesar Garcia on keys, Natal Yepez on vocals and Cesar Montoya on percussion – performed Latin music in Spanish during Tuesday night’s First Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Fiesta at Revere City Hall. (Advocate Photos by Tara Vocino) Mauricio Catano plays Latin pop song “Havana” by Camila Cabello on saxophone in the lobby. Celebrating Colombian pride, Kikos Coffee partners Juan Arroyave and Diego Orsorno and La Esquina Del Sabor staffer Carolina Botero offered their Colombian coffee products and Colombian food samples during Tuesday night’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at Revere City Hall. Natividad Hernandez and Dimple Rana congratulate Juan Jaramillo (center) for being given the On The Rise Award. Jaramillo is a Revere High School graduate and Political Coordinator at 32BJ Service International Employees Union (SEIU). At left, Catherine and Juan Carlos Fernandez perform “Torito Pinto” (El Salvadorian national bird), a dance with a paper-mache ball, with Esperanza Merino and Alexis Romero in the City Council Chambers.
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