According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in July 2006, there were more than 44 million people in the United States of Hispanic origin. Every year, the country pays tribute to those of Hispanic origin by celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15.

The city of Las Vegas commemorates the occasion each year by planning a number of events and activities that celebrate the contributions Hispanics have made to the community.

Mariachi Perla de Oro
Friday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.
East Las Vegas Community Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., 229-1515
Admission: free
This all-girl band kicks off the Bandstand Jam Series with a performance of traditional Mexican music.

Free Viva Mexico! Celebration
Saturday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Brinley Community School, 6150 Smoke Ranch Road, (702) 229-2642.
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with live music, dance and authentic Mexican food.

Independence Day Soccer Tournament and Activities
Saturday, Sept. 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Rafael Rivera Community Center, 2900 Stewart Ave., (702) 229-4600.
Music, food and folkloric dance for the whole family. 

Zien - Storyteller
“Tales of Our America” (Cuentos de Nuestra America)
Saturday, Sept. 22, 3 p.m.
East Las Vegas Community Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., 229-1515
Tickets: $3, children 5 and under free
Storytelling, oral histories and spoken word performances have received renewed emphasis in recent years. Listen to international storyteller Zien tell traditional tales in Spanish from his native Colombia as well as Latin America and the Caribbean. 

5th Annual United Today and Always/ Unidos Hoy y Siempre
Friday, Oct. 5, 7 to 9 p.m.
East Las Vegas Community Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., 229-1515
Free admission
Bring the family to celebrate the rich Latino culture. Numerous local Hispanic organizations participate in an evening of music, dance, poetry and arts and crafts displays.

Bandstand Jam Series - Peruvian Cultural Performance
Friday, Oct. 12, 7 p.m.
East Las Vegas Community Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave., 229-1515
Free admission
Peruvian music and dances take place outdoors in the bandstand area.

Cine en el Centro Spanish-Language Film Festival
Begins Thursday, Sept. 20, films begin at 6:30 p.m.
East Las Vegas Community Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave.
Luis Bonilla, who curated the series, will introduce each film at 6:30 p.m. and lead a discussion (in Spanish) of it following the screening.