Today: A Lively Beginning for Hispanic Heritage Month

Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl, is greeted by a crowd, Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) (Steven Senne / Associated Press)

Little Amal,’ a 12-foot-tall puppet symbolizing human rights, will step foot in Baltimore as part of US walk, Abigail Gruskin, Baltimore Sun

On Friday, a 12-foot-tall, 10-year-old Syrian refugee will arrive in Baltimore. She’ll spend two days in Charm City, meeting with the mayor, grooving at festivals and experiencing what life here is like.

“Little Amal” — “Amal” meaning “hope” in Arabic — isn’t a real girl, but a larger-than-life puppet that has become a symbol for human rights and refugees around the globe.

Amal is on a journey around the world to raise awareness about refugee children. You can meet her in Baltimore today in the Patterson Park Annex and participate in the kickoff activities of Hispanic Heritage Month with the Creative Alliance.

Welcome Little Amal!

11-2pm | Make Art for Amal | Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Avenue

2-3pm | Welcome Amal in the Patterson Park Annex

3-7pm | Tianquiztli Street Festival | Outside The Patterson Theater, 3134 Eastern Avenue

You can learn more about the Tianquiztli Festival here.

Here in Columbia/HoCo, the Columbia Association is celebrating the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month with a Latin Dance Night at the Lakefront.

Get ready for a special FREE night of music and dancing

When: Saturday, September 16 @ 6-9pm

Where: Downtown Columbia Lakefront

Join Columbia Association beneath the People Tree for a special event: Latin Dance Night!

This FREE event will feature Latin-themed dancing, music and singing to honor and celebrate the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

You don't want to miss out on these special performers and instructors, including DJ Elvira, Live music from Samual Munguia and Friends, Dance lessons by Steve Jackson and Performances by Santana Dance School.

Plus, dine on delicious Hispanic food and drink throughout the evening.

There’s a lot going on locally during Hispanic Heritage Month. This should get you started. I’ll be back with more information on other events soon. I promise.

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