Article by: Dr. Stephanie Banuelos, Bilingual Services Lead
What is Hispanic Heritage Month?
We celebrate September 15-October 15 in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. This month is meant to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of those whose families came from Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and Spain. – https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about.html
We believe that experiences are the best teachers, so as this month of celebration takes off, Dr. Stephanie Banuelos, our Bilingual Services Lead, offered ways to invite DEP to experience the Hispanic and Latino culture and community through local events and organizations all over Texas.
How to Get the Most Out of Hispanic Heritage Month
Below are lists of links and events that are happening over the next month if you are interested in participating. You may notice that some of these events are specifically to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day (September 16) which may be different from some of the other events that are celebrating Latin countries as a whole.
Austin
40 YEARS OF DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
419 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
- DATES: September 16, 2023 – November 26, 2023
- RECURRENCE: Recurring daily
- LOCATION: Mexic-Arte Museum
- PRICE: $1-$7
https://mexic-artemuseum.org/event/40-years-of-dia-de-los-muertos/
The exhibit highlighting artwork from the collection focuses on images inspired by Día de los Muertos including ofrendas and works by Jose Guadalupe Posada and others.
DIEZ Y SEIS DE SEPTIEMBRE FIESTA AT FIESTA GARDENS
2101 Jesse E. Segovia St., Austin, TX 78702 (512) 375-5711
- PRESENTED BY: Fiesta Austin and EQ Austin
- DATES: September 16, 2023
- LOCATION: Fiesta Gardens
- TIME: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- PRICE: $5-$7
Enjoy activities and events promoting Mexican-American culture, providing an array of resources and opportunities for youth, adults, families, and seniors though festivals and events. Official live music lineup to come.
ESB MACC VIVA MEXICO
2100 E. 3rd St, AUSTIN, TX 78702
- PRESENTED BY: Lyn.Artx
- DATES: September 16, 2023
- LOCATION: Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center
- TIME: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- PRICE: Free
https://www.austintexas.gov/page/viva-mexico
Join the ESB MACC at the Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center to celebrate the annual ‘Viva Mexico!’ event. They will have a vendor marketplace, performances, and activities for all to enjoy. Free for all ages to enjoy as well.
SAZON LATIN FOOD FESTIVAL
10106 Menchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748
- PRESENTED BY: Latin City
- DATES: September 16, 2023 – September 17, 2023
- RECURRENCE: Recurring daily
- LOCATION: Armadillo Den
- TIME: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- PRICE: Free
They will have more than 20 Latin food vendors representing all the best flavors from the Caribbean, Central and South America. There will also be great music and drinks, so make sure you bring your friends and family for a day of fun and celebration. Come hungry, because you’re going to want to try everything and we’ll have something for everyone including dessert. Get free tickets today to Sazon Latin Food Festival! Space is limited, arrive early.
INDIGENOUS HERITAGE GATHERING
701 Tillery Street, Austin, TX 78702
- DATES: October 8, 2023
- LOCATION: Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance & Cultural Center
- TIME: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- PRICE: Free
https://www.prfdance.org/perform.htm
SAVE THE DATE!! Yara Taino & Guaytiao will be celebrating our Indigenous Heritage! Yara Taino & Guaytiao is the Indigenous community of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center. Since 2007, our center defends and shares Taino Heritage every day. Our members represent world indigenous cultures.
San Antonio:
- Please visit this link to see a list of amazing events all over town — https://www.visitsanantonio.com/blog/7-ways-to-celebrate-hispanic-heritage-month-in-san-antonio/
- UTSA (University of Texas at San Antonio) also has a packed full month of events and activities for the community: https://www.utsa.edu/hispanicheritage/
- Lists of Fiestas Patrias (patriotic celebrations) to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day (Sept. 16)
– https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/city-life/fiestas-patrias-hispanic-heritage-month/
– https://www.getcreativesanantonio.com/About-Us/Dept-Initiatives-SA-2020/DIEZySEISdeSeptiembre
“It was on this day in 1810 that Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla initiated the fight for freedom as he made a grito (cry), which sparked the beginning of Mexico’s battle of Independence from Spain.”
Fun fact, growing up, my family would sit around the tv at 11pm on the eve of Mexican Independence Day to join with others and make a “grito” in celebration of the holiday.
Dallas:
- The following link takes you to a list of events happening this weekend (9-10th) at the Dallas Arboretum
- @ Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center –
- https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/things-to-do/2023/09/07/hispanic-heritage-month-celebrations-start-this-weekend/
Houston:
- Party on the Plaza – https://www.visithoustontexas.com/event/party-on-the-plaza-celebrates-national-hispanic-heritage-month/101286/#:~:text=The%20Plaza%20at%20Avenida%20Houston,of%20National%20Hispanic%20Heritage%20Month.
- https://www.visithoustontexas.com/events/annual-events/hispanic-heritage-month/
- https://www.heritagesociety.org/national-hispanic-heritage-month
- https://www.avenidahouston.com/nhhm/
- October 13 – https://ihch.org/events/hispanic-heritage-month-2023/
El Paso:
- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hispanic-heritage-read-and-ride-tickets-711467427227
- Celebrating Mexico’s Independence Day –
- Salsa dancing – https://visitelpaso.com/events/friday-salsa-social-with-team-havana-salsa-band-and-16-de-septiembre-celebration
If you are feeling on the fence, we encourage you to give one of these events a try.
We hope you have enjoyed learning more about the diverse and vibrant cultures of the Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. We also hope you have gained a deeper appreciation of the challenges and opportunities that these communities face in their daily lives. Whether you identify as Hispanic or Latino, or you are simply curious and respectful of other cultures, we encourage you to continue exploring and celebrating the rich heritage of these communities throughout the year.
One way to do that is to support the businesses, organizations and causes that serve and empower the Hispanic and Latino communities. You can also follow and amplify the voices of Hispanic and Latino leaders, artists, activists, and influencers who are making a positive impact in their fields. And, of course, you can always enjoy and share the music, food, literature, and art that reflect the diversity and creativity of these cultures.
We hope this blog post has inspired you to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us. We would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on this topic. Please leave a comment below or contact us through our website. Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more posts from Deep Eddy.