Belleville is gearing up to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month – an annual event focusing on the history, culture and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. 

A series of immersive, family-friendly cultural events are planned.  

The township is collaborating with the Belleville Board of Education this year to organize events to mark National Hispanic Heritage Month, which was signed into law in 1968 as a week-long celebration. In 1986, it became a national event spanning Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. 

The celebration has continued to grow and expand in Belleville, where about half the population is Hispanic or Latino, according to 2020 census data. 

The celebration will kick off Monday, Sept. 15 with the Puerto Rican flag-raising event, presented by Mayor Michael Melham, the Township Council and the Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs. The event will begin at noon at Town Hall, 152 Washington Ave. 

One of the most beloved Hispanic Heritage Month events – the annual softball showdown between members of a Puerto Rico police department and the Belleville Police Department – will be held Thursday, Sept. 18. The first pitch is at 6 p.m. at the Varsity Baseball Field in the Municipal Stadium Complex, 100 Passaic Ave. There’s free admission for all. 

On Oct. 10 at 10 a.m., the Cuban flag-raising event will be held at Town Hall. 

The following day, a day-long celebration of Hispanic food and music is planned at Belleville High School. “Rhythm & Roots:  A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month” will feature the salsa band K’ndela, plus other performances and food trucks, beginning at 2 p.m. 

“We hope the entire Belleville community can join us as we mark the tremendous contributions and culture of our many Hispanic friends and neighbors,” Melham said.