GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Take salsa and bachata dance lessons while learning about the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx scientists at the Florida Museum of Natural History’s “Viva Museum” on Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, visitors can watch the University of Florida’s Gator Salsa Club perform at 12 p.m. Then, take free, beginner-friendly salsa and bachata lessons with the Gator Salsa Club at 1 and 2 p.m.

The twelfth annual “Viva Museum” event spotlights the remarkable work of Hispanic and Latinx scientists and Latin American biodiversity. The event also highlights the unique heritage and cultural features of these vibrant communities.

Visitors can learn more about Central and South American research with scientists from the Florida Museum’s Ordway Lab and the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity. Additional, tabling organizations like the UF chapter of the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science will feature educational hands-on activities.

“I really love this event. Coming from a Puerto Rican background, it has a special place in my heart because it’s a great chance to engage with Spanish speakers and foster a sense of community for the diverse research happening here at UF,” said Janelle Peña-Jiménez, Florida Museum public program coordinator.

Other activities include an interactive, bilingual memory game where players will flip cards to match Spanish words with their English translations.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase at Cilantro Tacos food truck. Registration is not required for this bilingual, family-friendly event.

For more information on “Viva Museum,” visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/event/viva-museum.

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Writer: Kat Tran, PRintern@flmnh.ufl.edu
Source: Janelle Peña-Jiménez, janelle.pena@floridamuseum.ufl.edu
Media contact: Kaitlin Gardiner, kgardiner@floridamuseum.ufl.edu