By Alexa Lewis
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Texas A&M-San Antonio will partner with the San Antonio Public Library and KLRN to help with this year’s event.
This year’s exhibit is called “Cantinflas Retro: A Mario Moreno Retrospective” and features Mexican actor Mario Moreno and the characters he played over the years.
According to a University press release, “The retrospective is a collection of replica photos and movie posters from the life and career of Mario Moreno, known around the world as ‘Cantinflas,’ the iconic everyman character who represents the people of Mexico.”
The exhibit will be displayed on the first and second floors of the Central Library, 600 Soledad, and on the second floor at Texas A&M-San Antonio’s Main Campus Building, 1 University Way, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, which is also when Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationwide to recognize the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America, according to the National Hispanic Heritage Month website.
On Sep. 17, A&M-San Antonio will kick off the month with guest speaker Ramiro S. Salazar, director of San Antonio Public Library. Salazar will be speaking 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Room 204/207 of Main Campus.
“We are tremendously honored by the trust that the Mario Moreno Foundation has instilled in us to share a glimpse of this iconic figure’s storied career and we take that trust seriously,” Salazar said in the Sept. 12 press release.
Mario Moreno films such as “El Gendarme Desconocido” and “Pepe” will be also be shown at different libraries throughout San Antonio, giving San Antonio residents a chance to see them.
“This character is very near and dear to the people of San Antonio,” Joseph Marks, San Antonio Public Library spokesperson, said. “People have already been pulling at the gate trying to take a look.”
For more event information and movie show times, visit www.cantinflasretro.com.