BOISE, Idaho — Idaho has a rich history made from diverse cultures and this month the Idaho State Museum is inviting everyone to experience one of the state’s fastest growing communities.
¡Fiesta! and Hispanic Heritage Month center around bringing different cultures and groups of Idahoans together to learn and enjoy one another’s histories, cultures, and contributions to society. The month celebration started September 15, with Idahoans enjoying food, music, and much more culture from the Latino community during many different and diverse events.
The Idaho Hispanic Foundation and Idaho State Museum invite everyone from of all cultures to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with them.
The third annual ¡Fiesta! at the Idaho State Museum, a division of the Idaho State Historical Society in Boise, kicked the month-long celebration off.
There was a myriad of food trucks, vendors, artisans, historical artifacts, and performances. The day was just a small taste, or appetizer, of the month-long celebration sharing Idaho’s Hispanic roots.
The Latino population is rapidly growing in Idaho, their history helped shape the Gem State where Hispanic contributions have been especially significant to agriculture and food.
Leaders of Idaho’s Hispanic Heritage months say the event isn’t just about celebration, but that it’s about also about educating the entire community.
“We tell the stories of the people of Idaho. There are so many different cultures, the Hispanic culture is just one of them, but it gives us the ability to celebrate and educate people about what this culture means for the state of Idaho,” Sarah Phillips, executive director of Idaho State Museum, told KTVB Saturday.
The Idaho Hispanic Foundation and Idaho State Museum partnered with Latino local and small businesses for ¡Fiesta!
Other partners and attendees for the first official event of Hispanic Heritage Month were Ballet Folklorico Mexico Lindo, Idaho Latino Scholarship Foundation, Idaho Power, St. Luke's, El Centro, and more.
The Idaho State Museum is housing special interim exhibits as well as permanent ones that showcase the history of Hispanic communities across the state, from early migrant stories to century-old heirlooms.
Mari Ramos, executive director of Idaho Hispanic Foundation, said she hopes for Hispanic Heritage Month to foster a sense of belonging and pride for Hispanics, while also inviting other cultures to enjoy in union.
“We do want to explore those differences and our similarities so we can create those bridges of understanding—and all learn together,” Ramos said.
Together, the partners of Hispanic Heritage Month hope the month ends with more community members knowing and understanding the state’s multicultural roots.