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How to Commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 Across the Nation
Celebrate Latino history and identity with events from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15
Festivals with dance and music performances, museum exhibits and hands-on activities are some ways to honor the legacy and contributions of the Hispanic community during Hispanic Heritage Month.
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From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the United States recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration of the culture and historical contributions of people from, or whose ancestors came from, Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central or South America. The monthlong observance is an opportunity to honor the culture and contributions of the Hispanic community and Latinos across all sectors of U.S. life.
The Sept. 15 start date was chosen to align with the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, followed by Mexico’s independence day on Sept. 16 and Chile’s on Sept. 18.
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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Hispanic population, at 68 million people, constitutes 20 percent of the nation’s total population, making it the largest racial or ethnic minority in the country. Recent data from the Administration for Community Living projects that by 2040, there will be more than 12 million individuals 65 or older who identify as Hispanic.
Throughout the month, cities nationwide will host festivals, cultural showcases and art exhibitions that honor Hispanic traditions and provide opportunities to connect and celebrate with the community. Here are some ways to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month this year.
Healthy Living Events
AARP Orlando will host Walk with a Doc on Oct. 13 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the North Village Pavilion in Kissimmee, Florida. The free monthly event includes a brief health talk followed by a group walk. Registration is required; AARP membership is not required. Admission: Free
New York Road Runners will host a series of community runs throughout September and October. Participants can celebrate their culture by wearing their home country’s colors. These free, community-led 5K runs will take place in various parks around New York City, such as Cunningham Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park and Crocheron Park. Registration is required. Admission: Free
Viernes Culturales transforms Calle Ocho, in the historic neighborhood of Little Havana in Miami, into a pedestrian-friendly festival. A historian also leads a guided walking tour.
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Every third Friday of the month, starting at noon, Viernes Culturales transforms Calle Ocho, in the historic neighborhood of Little Havana in Miami, into a free, pedestrian-friendly festival featuring food and music. Visitors can enjoy free guided walking tours by local historian Paul George on festival days starting at 7 p.m., now through December. Admission: Free
Join AARP California for a free virtual cooking demonstration on Sept. 18 from 4 to 5 p.m. Chef and historian Maite Gomez-Rejón will highlight staples and predominantly plant-based culinary traditions native to the Americas and guide participants in preparing a seasonal salad. Registration is required; AARP membership is not required. Registration: Free
Festivals and Social Events
Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival is a two-day event in Des Moines that highlights the traditions and diversity of Latino communities through live music, dance performances, cultural exhibits and cuisine. The family-friendly event represents more than 20 countries and will be held at Western Gateway Park on Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival’s purpose is to “showcase and to have pride in our tradition so that our folks can get together and celebrate the cultures,” says Joe Gonzalez, executive director of Latino Resources Inc., the nonprofit that oversees the festival. “What better way to learn and to be around each other than through food, music and dance?” Admission: $5 for adults; free for children under 12
The 13th Annual Mexican Baseball Fiesta returns to Phoenix from Sept. 26 to Sept. 28 at the American Family Fields of Phoenix. Fans can watch six games throughout the weekend (starting at 5:05 p.m. on Sept. 26 and 27 and 3:05 p.m. on Sept. 28) featuring Jaguares de Nayarit and other professional teams from the Liga ARCO Mexicana del Pacífico, as well as enjoy postgame entertainment and activities. Admission: $20 for general admission; $10 for adults 65-plus
In Houston, join AARP Texas to create a Día de los Muertos ofrenda at Finca Tres Robles on Oct. 15 from 7 to 8 p.m. Participants can contribute by bringing photos of loved ones who have died, and a remembrance item to add to the communal ofrenda, or altar. Registration is required; AARP membership is not required.
The Aquarium of the Pacific’s Baja Splash Cultural Festival celebrates Latin American heritage through dance and music performances and bilingual educational programming.
AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images
Join the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, for its 24th annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival on Sept. 20 and 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. This festival, included with regular admission, celebrates Latin American heritage through dance and music performances, bilingual educational programming, games with prizes, and the annual Heritage Award presentation. Admission: $44.95 for adults; $41.95 for adults 62-plus
Revolución Tour, a festival celebrating Latino heritage and culture, is heading to San Antonio (Sept. 27) and Los Angeles (Oct. 5). The full days of activities include salsa dancing, a quinceañera fashion show and stand-up comedy. The San Antonio event, sponsored by Martinez & Associates and with proceeds going to San Antonio Coalition for Veterans & Families, will partner with immigration law firm Galan Law and be held at the Espee from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Los Angeles event, presented by Todo Wafi and with proceeds going to Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, will take place in Exposition Park from noon to 8:30 p.m. “A lot of us are trying to celebrate during a time where there’s a lot of people in pain,” says Rafael Fernandez, creator of RevTour. “This event was specifically designed to bring all those different, diverse parts of our culture together.” Admission for San Antonio: $34. Admission for Los Angeles: $15; free for children 10 and younger.
Museums and Exhibits
The Hispanic Society Museum & Library in New York City hosts the film series Cine al Fresco every Thursday of September in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. On Sept. 25, the society will present an outdoor screening of the 1992 Mexican film El Mariachi with English subtitles. The program begins at 6 p.m. with a performance by Academia de Mariachi, followed by the film at 7 p.m. RSVP required. Admission: Free
The National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., will host the Fotos y Recuerdos Festival in the Kogod Courtyard on Sept. 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free event welcomes visitors of all ages to participate in art making, dancing, museum tours, story times and book signings featuring children’s publisher Lil’ Libros. Admission: Free
The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore will present a performance from Soroche, a genre-bending band based in Baltimore, on Sept. 18. While at the free performance from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., you can also check out the museum’s “Latin American Art/Arte Latinoamericano” exhibit, which features more than 200 works from the Caribbean and South, Central and North America. Admission: Free
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