Since 1968 Hispanic Heritage Month has been recognized across the nation as a tribute to the significant contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans in the United States. Unlike most commemorative months, this celebration kicks off on September 15 and extends for a month to mark the historic Latin American independence from the Spanish empire in 1810.
As Real Salt Lake prepares to face off against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday, September 23, the club will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Night. This special event serves as a recognition of the culture and community that profoundly influences the Beehive state. One of the most engaging ways to show support for and learn more about the Hispanic community is by experiencing their vibrant culture through the numerous local restaurants and businesses in Utah. While there is a wide array of Hispanic-owned establishments throughout the state, here are five establishments offering a variety of products and services.Â
Established in 2000, Sabor Latino offers more than just a one-country cuisine, boasting a wide range of dishes from across Latin America including seafood, arepas, bandeja paisa and everything in between. Over the last two decades the restaurant has prided itself in providing high-quality and authentic food while also creating an enjoyable ambiance. With two locations at North Temple and State Street, Sabor Latino also offers online ordering and delivery, bringing the flavor of Latin America to your doorstep.Â
Founder and Brewer Javier Chávez Jr. began his beer company in an effort to brew an artisanal beer that would pair well with his family’s Mexican food. SInce 2017, Chávez Jr. and Cerveza Zólupez Beer Company have brewed unique and fun specialty cervezas, including flavors like mango, cinnamon/cane sugar, and lime/agave. The brewery is located in Ogden but you can find Zólupez beers in several restaurants, bars, and grocery stores in the Salt Lake area.Â
Want to improve your acting or voice skills? Look no further than Proyecciones Acting Studio in Salt Lake. The studio is owned and operated by Oscar Olivares, an experienced TV and theater actor/singer who became the first Mexican actor to be nominated for the Best Actor award at the International Emmy Awards in 2009 for his role in HBO’s Capadocia. The studio offers instruction in concentration, endurance, breathing, improvisation, voice tones and levels, characterization, and more for film, theater, television, radio, or public speaking. Both group and individual instruction are offered.Â
This latino-operated grocery store specializes in cuisine staples like carne asada, freshly made on-site flour and corn tortillas, and churros. Since 2006 Rancho Markets has valued its customers by offering fresh and quality products for you to enjoy your own home-cooked meals. Rancho Markets has ten locations from Provo to Ogden and also offers an app for members to access exclusive prices.Â
Mexican American artists Miguel Galaz, Alan Ochoa, and Luis Novoa create vibrant murals that allow Utahns to learn about the various latin cultures that enrich the Beehive state. Created in 2015, Roots Art Kollective has created murals to redefine cultural space through the use of nature, patterns, and calligraphy. To learn more about the group, donate, or see photos of previous murals, you can visit the group at their instagram page @therak.murals
