2003 was a good year for Hispanics in the DFW Metroplex. On August 29 of that year, the Dallas Morning News published the first edition of its five-days-a-week Al Día newspaper. It was done, mainly, to reach the Hispanic market’s segment of the population that preferred to get the news in Spanish. But also to provide a print advertising venue for that growing chunk of the local designated market area, of the DMA.
Not to be outdone, on September sixteen of the same year, the Latino Cultural Center officially opened its doors. It was a big celebration and a shindig that lasted five days. Actor Edward James Olmos participated in the event and so did author Sandra Cisneros. There were musical performances, too, by Tania Libertad, Tito Puente Jr., and others.
IMAGE: Two views of the Latino Cultural Center in Dallas, which opened in September of 2003. Structure designed by Mexican architect Víctor Legorreta. Photos by Pedro Chávez.
They all came to celebrate the opening of a City of Dallas arts facility dedicated to honoring the local Latino culture.
It was a good year, for sure. For us Hispanics in north Texas. For those who prefer to get the news in Spanish and for those who had in the past craved for their own arts venue.
Unfortunately, because of the media consumption changes that have taken place during the last two decades, print products have suffered. And the print edition of Al Día is one of the products that has been affected by that new model and it’s no longer published.
On the other hand, the Latino Cultural Center is still around and still offering a venue where people of Hispanic heritage can share their artistic work.
The Center has a storied background, but we’ll leave that topic for another time. For now, our objective is to let people know about upcoming events. There are plenty of them. Here’s a short list regarding a few of those events:
The Journey North: Hope, Labor and Culture. January 23 through February 27, 2026. RSVP required for opening reception. According to the Center, the “exhibition how an artificial border cuts across shared cultural experiences.”
”Medea/Liturgia. February 7 through February 22, 2026. Cara Mía Theatre presents the world premiere of a new adaptation of the mythology and play, Medea, written and directed by Diego Fernando Montoya. Tickets on sale.
22nd International Theatre Festival. February 7 through February 22, 2026. Bits and pieces that have to do with Portugal, England, Colombia and Argentina.
Cocina Flamenca Live 2026. Saturday, April 18. 2026. According to the Center, Cocina Flamenca Live is an “annual celebration of flamenco food, and culture.”
Ascension. May 1, 2026. Dallas Black Dance Academy’s annual ensemble concert.
Los Niños Santos de María Sabina. May 15, 2026. Celebrating the life and work of María Sabina, a famed curandera.
There are plenty more upcoming events at the Latino Cultural Center. We’ll let you know about them in future posts. For more information, please call (214) 671-0046 or visit the Center’s site at:
Event Calendar
Upcoming exhibits, shows...
