Hillsborough Seniors Cha-Cha-Cha into Hispanic Heritage Month

The dance floor was rarely empty at Aging Services' Hispanic Heritage Celebration. Women in brightly colored, floor-length flowing skirts twirled while others three-stepped and waved flags representing Puerto Rico, Ecuador, and other Latin countries. Flashes of sequins, vibrant red flowers in ladies' hair, and dapper fedoras could be seen bobbing to the rhythms.

It was Hillsborough County's annual senior party honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month, and it was just getting started.

Celebratory music and energetic dancing

"I come for the fun and fellowship," said Pat, a regular at the Progress Village Senior Center. She wore a long, sunshine yellow pollera and was excited to perform at the party with her senior center's dance troupe.

Though the party didn't start until 10 a.m., seniors began to gather at The Regent in Riverview around 9 a.m. Café con leche, tea, and guava pastries were served to a growing crowd, softly humming with caffeine and anticipation for the coming festivities.

The celebration opened with welcoming remarks by community and civic leaders who thanked volunteers, sponsors, and Hillsborough County's Aging Services for making the event possible.

Then, there was a bongo beat…. followed by congas beat…and then NY Joe's Latin Sensation Band took over the stage. Note by note, the music filled the venue, and the dance floor was quickly flooded. Salsa, merengue, bachata, and Latin tunes echoed from the 4-piece band, playing three congas, timbales, bongos, maracas, and claves.

Delicious food and a merry parade

To add to the revelry, the party included the "Latin Grammy Performances" -- a cultural parade of dancing seniors showcasing their origins. Many wore traditional dress and joyously waived flags from nations across the Americas and Caribbean.

Following the parade, a hot lunch of empanadas, chicken and rice, and other Latin American favorites was served. Afterwards, the band took to the stage for one last energetic set.

The Hispanic Heritage Celebration was held Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Regent, 6437 Watson Rd. Riverview, FL 33578. The theme of this year's celebration was "Latin Grammys: Celebrating the Diversity in Latin Rhythms."

The event was open to members of Hillsborough County Senior and Dining Centers, as well as active adults ages 50 and over.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Every year Hillsborough County honors the rich influence Hispanic people bring to the area. Hispanic entrepreneurs and business leaders play a vital role in driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening the local economy. Hispanic-owned businesses are among the fastest-growing sectors in the United States, especially in Hillsborough County.

To date, more than 420,000 people of Hispanic origin call Hillsborough County home, representing roughly 25 percent of the county's population.

Nationally, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. It is a time to honor the culture, history, and contributions of people from Spanish-speaking countries. These include Spain, Mexico, Caribbean nations, and countries across Central and South America.
Sept. 15 has special significance in that it is the independence anniversary of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.

Hillsborough County Aging Services

Hillsborough County Aging Services engages seniors all year long. Aging Services has seven senior centers and 14 dining and activity centers where hundreds of seniors participate in programs and activities daily.

Seniors meet each weekday, create friendships, and bond through numerous programs and activities, including painting clubs, art classes, fitness training, Tai Chi, sewing club, Bingo, board games, garden club, book club, chess club, and dominoes to name a few.
To learn more about Hillsborough County Aging Services, visit HCFL.Gov/Aging or call (813) 272-5250.