Santa Barbara Public Library (SBPL) will present the second annual Raíces y Sueños (Roots and Dreams): Raising Awareness and Unity Around Hispanic Immigrant Culture event, September through mid-October.
The series of free, family-friendly programs celebrates the strength, resilience and contributions of the Hispanic immigrant community.
Following the positive response to last year’s events, this year’s series returns with an even stronger focus on cultural awareness, inclusion, and community connection through music, storytelling, visual art, and workshops, the library said.
The series offers a variety of activities designed for all ages; following are some highlights:
· First Thursday at Central Library: Art reception with Los Angeles-based Chicana artist Jacqueline Valenzuela.
· Library on the Go…at the Airport!: A Raíces y Sueños stop offering a selection of books, community passes, and information about upcoming events and library resources.
· Día de los Abuelos: Celebration with crafts and storytelling.
· Somos Xicanas y Lowriders: Featuring lowrider culture and live readings from SOMOS XICANAS.
· Free admission at Santa Barbara Museum of Art: Participate in hands-on STEAM activities inspired by Latin American culture.
· Sabores Saludables Workshop: Learn healthy eating habits with dietitian Mary Galindo in an interactive workshop.
· Alebrije Workshops: Led by Oaxacan artisan Jesús Sosa Calvo, participants can paint hand-carved wooden figures while learning about this tradition.
· Bilingual Storytimes: Family-focused events at Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
Closing out the celebration will be the Raíces y Sueños Market, offering a day of crafts, performances, and a Young Makers Market showcasing creativity and cultural pride.
Programs will be conducted in English or Spanish as noted. For more about program dates and times, visit Raíces y Sueños.
Raíces y Sueños (Roots and Dreams) is an annual SBPL series dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness of Hispanic immigrant culture through art, storytelling, workshops, and educational opportunities.