Brooklyn Park is one of the most culturally rich areas in the Midwest with more than one-fifth of its residents having been born in other countries. The unexpected cultural richness is what makes Brooklyn Park a vibrant city.
One of our Brooklyn Park 2025 goals is United Community. Through this goal, we are striving to connect neighbors to understand and celebrate our unique cultures. We will also ensure our community’s activities, events and services are inclusive, multi-cultural and accessible.
Throughout the year, we will share different events with you, whether it’s through our Recreation and Parks department’s “Celebrate Brooklyn Park” series or through other avenues, to embrace our diverse community.
We want to learn more about your cultural community celebrations! If you’d like to share information about your favorite holidays or are hosting a community event, please send an email to communications@brooklynpark.org.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
In the United States, Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15. This year’s theme is “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope.” The theme invites us to celebrate Hispanic Heritage and to reflect on how great our tomorrow can be if we hold onto our resilience and hope. It encourages us to reflect on all of the contributions Hispanics have made in the past, and will continue to make in the future. It is also a reminder that we are stronger together.
The cultural influences, histories, and contributions of the Latino/a and Hispanic community are honored and celebrated during this time. Like many national heritage months, this month-long celebration began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 during Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency before it expanded to a month in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. September 15 is a significant date for a handful of countries such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua in which they celebrate their Independence Day. Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on September 16, followed by Chile on September 18, and Belize on September 21.
Proclamation
On Monday, September 13, Mayor Lisa Jacobson proclaimed September 15 through October 15 as Hispanic Heritage month in Brooklyn Park. According to the 2020 Census, approximately 7.6% of Brooklyn Park residents identify as Hispanic or Latino.