Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

October 11, 2022

What: The Science Museum of Virginia and Radio Poder 1380AM, Richmond’s premier Spanish radio station, are collaborating to close out Hispanic Heritage Month with a celebration of science and culture. The two organizations are hosting ¡Virginia Fiesta! on Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Science Museum.

¡Virginia Fiesta! will highlight contributions of the Hispanic community in Virginia through a community fair, vendors, food trucks, cultural performances, live demos, workshops and more. Activities include:

• Local chefs Danny Menna from Conejo Cocina and Martin Gonzalez from La Milpa will offer cooking demos in the Science Museum’s “Boost” exhibition kitchen.
• Artist Cesar Carbajar will offer demos of his popotillo straw art in “The Forge.”
• Volunteers will read stories celebrating Hispanic culture to little scientists in the early learner exhibition “LightPlace.”
• The Salsa Guy will lead bachata-cha-cha-cha, salsa and merengue dance lessons.
• Latin American singer Mauricio Soria, Venezuelan singer Zaida Flores, bachata singer Adriano Lastor, singer Sandra Otero, mariachi Singer Alma Ranchera and Ecuadorian singer Pepe Coimbra will all perform.
• There will be traditional and folk dance demonstrations from numerous groups, including Centro Sagrado Corazon and La Palma and Tradicion.
• The film "Big Astronomy" will be playing in The Dome for free all day during the ¡Virginia Fiesta! event. The Spanish version plays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The English version plays at 12 and 3 p.m.
• Los Cocinita and Panchito will be selling food in front of the Science Museum that day.
• “Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity” is on display. That touring exhibition is presented in English and Spanish.

When: ¡Virginia Fiesta! activities take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Science Museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The full schedule of activities is available at smv.org.

Who: Guests of all ages are welcome to attend. Bilingual volunteers will be onsite to assist guests.

How: ¡Virginia Fiesta! activities are included with regular Science Museum admission, which is $16 for adults; $13.50 for youth (ages 6 – 12) and seniors (ages 60 and older); and $10 for preschool-aged children (ages 3 – 5).

Discounts are available for EBT cardholders. Teachers, military personnel and Science Museum members receive free admission. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets at smv.org.

Where: Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220