From mid-September to mid-October this year, Burien is celebrating Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month by hosting vibrant events, highlighting local businesses, and recognizing the contributions of community members who identify as Latino/a, Latine, Latinx, Chicano/a, Afro-Latino/a/x, and Hispanic. Nearly one-quarter (23.8%) of Burien community members identify as Hispanic/Latinx according to the U.S. Census.
In 1988, twenty years after “Hispanic Heritage Week” was first declared nationally, the country began observing Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile which celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18. The artistic, business, cultural, educational, and political influences of Hispanic/Latinx community members touch all aspects of Burien’s community life and contribute to our community’s health and economic vitality. The City of Burien is committed to creating an accessible government for all through appropriate language access, culturally appropriate support for small businesses, funding for organizations that serve Latinx community members, supporting Latinx artists through the Public Art Fund, and supporting programs for Latinx youth.
Burien City Council Issues Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month Proclamation
Burien City Council issued a proclamation declaring September 15–October 15, 2021 as Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month in Burien. The proclamation invites the entire Burien community to join the City in celebrating the history, heritage, and contributions of Hispanic/Latinx community members in Burien.
Liliane Ballesteros, executive director of Latino Community Fund, accepted the proclamation. The Latino Community Fund is an organization focused on investing in the leadership and power of Latinx communities in Burien and across Washington state.
Celebrating in Burien with Vibrant Events
The City of Burien hosted Welcoming Burien on September 18 to celebrate our immigrant and refugee neighbors from around the world, hosted B-Town Fiesta on September 25 to highlight Hispanic and Latinx culture, and is hosting a virtual Día de los Muertos event in November.
Showcasing Local Businesses
The City of Burien’s Economic Development Division kicked off their new “Welcome to Burien” series on social media by featuring Aliberto’s Mexican Food, a new restaurant located on Ambaum Blvd SW.
Burien is known for its diverse and authentic eateries. Explore Burien restaurants offering Mexican, Salvadoran, Peruvian, and Guatamalan cuisines using our Burien Eats Streets interactive directory.
Continue Celebrating and Learning About Hispanic/Latinx Culture
- Visit Burien’s Highline Heritage Museum to explore ongoing exhibits and programs highlighting Hispanic/Latinx history and culture, including the current Multicultural Toys & Games exhibit.
- The Library of Congress and other national institutions offer a website featuring curated events, multimedia, art, literature, exhibitions, history, music, and more related to National Hispanic Heritage Month.
- National Geographic features curated articles and videos celebrating the history, contributions, influence, and accomplishments of Latinx, Latina, Latino, and Hispanic people who have enriched the United States.
- Trace the origins of Hispanic Heritage Month and dig into additional stories and profiles from History.
La ciudad de Burien esta firmamente comprometido a enfrentar las problemas de vital importancia para la comunidad latina y abrir puertas de oportunidad para todos en nuestro ciudad.
The City of Burien is firmly committed to addressing issues of vital importance to the Latino community and opening doors of opportunity for everyone in our city.
Burien City Council, September 20, 2021
