On October 8 Vida Senior Centers held a grand event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

The event took place at DC Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs and gathered Vida’s seniors, board members, staff, guests, and partners for a day of joy and celebration. Sponsored by AARP, the Golden Years Choir (ESP: Coro Años Dorados), which has been rehearsing for several months, had its debut during the event and the performers sang the most popular Latin tunes.

The event also featured traditional dances and costumes from different Hispanic countries presented by seniors together with our Vida’s instructors and a real samba festival led by Vida’s nutritionist, Sonia Pessoa. Seniors also presented their poetry to guests and had a gallery exhibit of artwork they have created at Vida Centers with the help of Marite Valdez.

The celebration ended with a wonderful concert by the Baile Chanchona band and a traditional Salvadorian lunch graciously provided by El Tamarindo and MOLA.

It was the first in-person event Vida hosted since the pandemic began, and we couldn’t have been happier that we finally gathered and spent time together celebrating our Hispanic heritage. Together we continue to strengthen our community. We are proud to be an example of resilience, joy and wisdom the seniors deliver to society every day!