Calendar of Events

Listed below are a few Latino holidays and a list of programming ideas that may be tied in to the festivities:

January 6
El Dia de los Tres Reyes/Three Kings Day, Epiphany
-Showcase books that discuss religious holidays around the world.
-Create a  display featuring books about Hispanic and Latin cultures.
-Sample traditional foods.

April 30
El Dia de los Ninos/El Dia de Los Libros
Children's Day/Book Day
-Host a bilingual story time.
-Have a craft activity.
-Utilize songs and fingerplays as part of the multicultural story time.
-Plan and implement games and storytelling involving local Latino families.

May 5
Cinco de Mayo
-Display books about Mexico and famous Mexican artists and historical figures.
-Feature Latino dancers.

September 15 - October 15
Hispanic Heritage Month
-Create a  display featuring biographies of famous Latinos, Latin American travel books and history books.
-Hold a foreign film festival throughout the month.
-Host a multicultural food night showcasing foods from different regions of Latin America.

November 1-3
El Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead
-Create an altar honoring a famous deceased Latino artist.
-Have different community organizations create their own altars and showcase in the library (as space allows).
-Host a scavenger hunt.
-Host a food tasting of traditional Mexican food.

References:
Menard, V. (2000). The Latino holiday book: from cinco de Mayo to dia de los muertos-the celebrations and traditions of Hispanic-Americans. Emeryville, CA: Publishers Group West.



Online:

Florida Department of Education, http://www.fldoe.org/JustForTeachers/hhmholidays.asp.

Remember to promote activities for the entire family!