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National Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 – October 15
Each year, from September 15 to October 15, APS celebrates the contributions that Hispanic / Latino Americans have made to our nation, and especially to Arlington and our schools, over the years. We also take this time to recognize the trailblazing individuals who fought for progress and equity for their communities. National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Hispanic Heritage Student Leaders
Hispanic Heritage Month Events
Arlington
- Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month all month long with Arlington Public Library! Check out their event calendar for Latin Dance Lessons, Stories for Children, a screening of “Coco,” Sugar Skull Craft, and so much more!
- Sat, Sept. 27 5-9 p.m. Festival Latinoamericano Arlington County’s signature event,at Arlington Mill Community Center. Join us as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, authentic Latino food, artistic presentations, games for kids and much more! The event is free and includes a full afternoon of engaging programming for guests of all ages.
- National Hispanic Heritage Month means it’s also a good time to visit monuments and learn more about history. Visit the United Spanish War Veterans Memorial located on Memorial Avenue in Arlington, west of Arlington Memorial Bridge.
Alexandria
- Sat. Oct 12, 1 p.m. – 3p.m. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, crafts, face painting and food! The fiesta will take place outside in Beatley Central Library’s beautiful Reading Garden.
Washington D.C.
- Sat, Sept. 28 4:05 p.m. Hispanic Heritage Day at the Nats Celebrate Washington D.C.’s Hispanic culture as we host our annual Hispanic Heritage Day! Everyone who purchases a ticket through this link will receive an exclusive Hispanic Heritage Day commemorative item.
- September 15 – October 15 Hispanic Heritage Month at the Smithsonian DC | Hecho en México (Made in Mexico)
- Fri, Sept. 20 7 p.m. Historic Change: An Evening Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Celia Cruz
- Sat, Sept. 28, 11:30 a.m. Fotos y Recuerdos: Hispanic Heritage Month Festival
- Sat, Sept. 28, 3:30 p.m. In Conversation with Miguel Luciano and Sylvia Méndez
- Sat, Sept. 28 & Sun, Sept. 29 11:00 Am to 7:00 pm The Nation’s Largest Latino Festival Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Latin America. Discover authentic culinary delights, explore handcrafted art, and be captivated by live performances. Every corner brims with the energy of Latino music and dance.
Fairfax
- Sat, Oct. 5 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. Old Town Square 10415 North Street, Fairfax Fiesta Fairfax is community celebration to observe Hispanic Heritage Month to include cultural performances, music, food and educational exhibits highlighting the contributions and experiences of the Hispanic, Latino and Latinx community.
Background
This celebration began in 1968, when President Lyndon B. Johnson first issued a proclamation to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Week. (Learn More) Later, Congress passed a bill to extend the celebration to last an entire month, which was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, and National Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated every year since 1989. The dates for Hispanic Heritage Month were chosen to coincide with the Independence Day celebrations of many Latin American nations — Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua — that declared their independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. Chile, Mexico, and Belize also each have their own Independence Day celebrations on days throughout the month as well.