The Utah Royals prepared to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Night in recognition of the culture and community that influences the Beehive state. This event was part of the broader Hispanic Heritage Month, a period recognized since 1968 to tribute the influence and contributions of Hispanic Americans in the United States.
The celebration was set to coincide with a match against Racing Louisville on Saturday, September 28. To highlight the local community, a series of Hispanic-owned businesses in Utah were spotlighted.
Sabor Latino, established in 2000, provides a variety of Latin American dishes including seafood, arepas, and bandeja paisa. The restaurant operates two locations at North Temple and State Street and offers delivery and online ordering.
Cerveza Zólupez Beer Company, founded by Javier Chávez Jr., produces artisanal beers in Ogden. Since 2017, the company has brewed specialty flavors such as lime/agave, mango, and cinnamon/cane sugar, which are also available in several Salt Lake restaurants, bars, and grocery stores.
Proyecciones Acting Studio in Salt Lake, owned by Oscar Olivares, provides instruction for film, theater, television, radio, and public speaking. Olivares is an experienced actor and singer who was the first Mexican actor nominated for a Best Actor award at the 2009 International Emmy Awards.
Rancho Markets is a Latino-operated grocery store with ten locations spanning from Provo to Ogden. Since 2006, the chain has specialized in items such as churros, corn and flour tortillas made on-site, and carne asada.
Roots Art Kollective, established in 2015, features work by Mexican American artists Miguel Galaz, Alan Ochoa, and Luis Novoa. The group creates murals using calligraphy, patterns, and nature to redefine cultural space.
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 to mark the historic independence of Latin America from the Spanish empire in 1810.
