Fountain Hills Sister Cities Hosts a Remarkable Event Paying Tribute to Hispanic, German, and Polish Heritage Month
FH Sister Cities decorated the outdoor patio at the FH Chamber of Commerce for a first-ever event where three different cultures were simultaneously honored. The guests in attendance were treated to culturally diverse foods, drinks, and entertainment. There were many highlights at this incredible gathering of community members interested in our purpose and passion. The Sister Cities movement and its commitment to citizen diplomacy is alive and well in Fountain Hills!
Proclamations Past and Present...
In 2023, Fountain Hills Mayor Ginny Dickey issued a proclamation honoring the three nearly coincidental Heritage Months established for the Hispanic, German, and Polish Americans now living in the U.S. These cultures, among many others, have enriched our communities and our collective history. This year, on October 12, FH Sister Cities sponsored a unique event where all three cultures were recognized and celebrated together. As a kickoff to the event, Mayor Dickey honored the FH Sister Cities celebration with its own proclamation. It commemorated the special occasion and recognized the contributions and influence of the respective peoples to the nation’s achievements, culture, and history. It was a true testament to the passionate relationships we share with our sister cities of Ataco, Dierdorf, and Zamość.
Why We Celebrate Cultural Heritage Months...
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 through October 15, while German and Polish Heritage Months are both in October. Fountain Hills Sister Cities has international partner cities representing each of the three celebrated cultures: Ataco in El Salvador, Dierdorf in Germany, and Zamość in Poland. Municipal collaborations, adult visits, and student exchanges have brought awareness of the diverse cultures in each country and we find that we have much in common with each other. Lifelong friendships have developed as a result.
German-American Heritage...
As early as 1683, families from Germany began settling in Pennsylvania. Ever since then, waves of immigrants brought their ingenuity and perseverance to the United States. When we hear them, we recognize them. German-Americans established the first kindergartens in the United States and the Christmas tree tradition. They also introduced popular foods such as hot dogs, hamburgers, pretzels, strudel, sauerkraut, and lager beer to America. German-Americans make up the largest self-reported ancestry group within the United States, accounting for roughly 49 million people and approximately 17% of the population of the U.S.
Hispanic-American Heritage...
Each year, National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South Americas. “It is dedicated time to celebrate the traits that make us unique and add to the flavor of our culture,” said Sgt. Major Angela Guigni Hernandez, the U.S. Army South chief religious affairs NCO. The Census Bureau estimates there were roughly 63.7 million Hispanics in the U.S. as of 2022, a new high. They made up 19% of the nation’s population.
Polish-American Heritage...
During American history and culture, Polish people have played an important role since 1608, when the first Polish settlers arrived at Jamestown, VA. The movement began in Philadelphia, PA, and became a national celebration of Polish history, culture, and pride. A 243rd anniversary will be marked in honor of General Casimir Pulaski, Father of the American Cavalry and American Revolutionary War Hero Thaddeus Kosciuszko. As we mark the anniversary of the first Poles in America, we are reminded of the journey of our ancestors who contributed to the American mosaic. There are an estimated 8.81 million self-identified Polish-Americans, representing about 2.67% of the U.S. population.
Presentations Were Given About Each of Our Sister Cities...
Respective FHSC Chairpersons for Sister Cities Ataco, El Salvador; Dierdorf, Germany; and Zamość Poland gave quick community overviews. FH High School students also produced presentations depicting their understanding of the cultural aspects of our three sister cities. The information was both informative and evocative.
Current And Former Student Ambassadors Spoke...
Current and former FH Sister Cities Student Ambassadors Eli Van Beek and Michal Suchanek spoke to the crowd. Each shared their unique and positive experiences with the FH Sister Cities student exchange programs. They also reflected on their participation in Sister Cities International’s Youth Leadership Summits.
It was clear that both enjoyed personal growth from the travel experiences and friendships that they formed with their foreign student exchange partners. They will also enjoy lasting professional benefit from connections and awareness of the positive impact of global citizen diplomacy.
There Was Delicious Food And Drink from All Three Cultures...
FH Sister Cities would like to thank the groups responsible for providing the delicious food selections.
El Savadoran foods were prepared by Salvadoreno #3. Chips and salas provided by El Encanto.
German foods were prepared by Mountain View Kitchen.
Polish foods were prepared Jolanta Lazar Catering.
A Professional DJ And a Latin Dance Team Provided Superb Entertainment...
DJ Matthew Robbins with FX Entertainment provided culturally appropriate background tunes.
The talented and colorful Bailamos dance team, which specializes in Peruvian cultural interpretations, provided entertainment in the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Even the crowd got in on the fun!
A Truly Great Time Was Had By All Who Attended...
