The Office of Campus Life is hosting events to commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month observed Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

The annual celebrations acknowledge the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

The anniversary of the independence of the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua is celebrated Sept. 15. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day, or Dia de la Raza, Oct. 12, is also celebrated.

Related events at UALR include Soul Salsa & Salsa Magic from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, in Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter Hall.

A hit romantic comedy that tells the story of an African-American man and a Latino woman forced to confront and overcome cultural and racial prejudices, Platanos y Collard Greens, will be performed at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, in University Theater. Billed as a “modern-day West Side Story,” the play will be performed by a touring group of New York theater students and is free and open to the public.

For more information or tickets, visit UALR’s Office of Campus Life or contact Jenny Dodson Hunt at 501.569.3308 or jmdodson@ualr.edu.