Celebrating Texas Culture: National Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month
Image Credit
AP Photo/Richard Vogel
Honoring the Legacy of Latinos across America

From vibrant cultural traditions to the enduring contributions that shape the heart of America, Hispanic Heritage Month is more than just a celebration, it’s a testament to the rich diversity and remarkable influence of Hispanic communities. Every year, from September 15th to October 15th, we honor the stories, histories, and achievements of individuals whose roots trace back to the Caribbean, Central and South America, Spain, and Mexico. 

This month invites us to recognize the impact Hispanic Americans have made in shaping our nation’s identity and influence surrounding music, art, food, political struggles, and culture. Hispanic Heritage Month began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. It was later expanded to its present form in 1988. This monumental decision solidified the importance of Hispanic contributions to the fabric of America like social justice fighters Cesar Chavez, Delores Huerta, and Texas Latinas, like labor rights organizer and educator Emma Tenayuca, who led what is regarded as the first labor victory for Tejanos and Mexicans in U.S. history.

Picture of Emma Tenayuca, San Antonio native via TeenVogue

As Mexico’s National Independence Day, Diez y Seis de Septiembre (9/16), becomes celebrated more and more across the Rio Bravo (Rio Grande), it’s important for all Texans to find joy in this inspiring and diverse heritage. Further, you can join U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (San Antonio) in his annual push to get more Latino films and artists preserved in the Library of Congress and join in on the fun events listed below to celebrate their legacy, all month long.

Events List:

Austin

Empoderadas Hispanic Heritage Month Market

  • September 21st from 10 am to 2 pm 
  • Empoderadas Gym

The Austin Library Hispanic Latino Heritage Month Celebration 

  • September 22nd
  • The Central Library 

Dia del Museo de Austin 

  • September 22nd, 9:30 am to 3 pm 
  • The LBJ Presidential Library

Folklorico y Paletas at Buda Public Library 

  • September 27th from 6:30 pm 
  • The Buda Public Library 

“Queen of Ranchera Music” Aida Cuevas

  • October 9th
  • The Long Center

College Station and Bryan

Fiestas Patrias Parade and Festival

  • September 17th, 2024 From 1 to 9 pm
  • Downtown Bryan

Hispanic Heritage Month Festival

  • September 26th, 5:30 pm-8:00 pm 
  • Amphitheater in Aggie Park

Other College Station and Bryan events

Corpus Christi

VOCES: American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos

  • September 24th, 7-8:30 pm
  • Performing Arts center 

CHEER-FUL Grand Opening Celebration

  • September 25th, 11 am to 2 pm
  • Islander Dining Hall

Other Corpus Christi events

Dallas-Fort Worth

Hispanic Heritage Month Movie: Encanto!

  • September 21st from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm 
  • Pleasant Grove Branch Library

Celebramos! Latin Dance Festival

  • September 22nd from 3 pm to 8 pm 
  • Fort Worth Botanic Garden

5th Annual Latinidades Theatre Festival

  • September 26th through October 13th
  • Latino Cultural Center

Flavors of Latin America Festival 

  • September 29th
  • Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Free Salsa Concert

  • October 4th at 9:15 pm
  • Latino Cultural Center

El-Paso

Hispanic Heritage Month Art Gallery 

  • Open until September 15th from 7 am to 10 pm 
  • 500 West University Ave. in the Union East building, Union Gallery.

AARP Texas Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 2024! 

  • From Sept. 17 to Oct. 28.
  • Virtual

¡CELEBRACIÓN! Opera UTEP’s annual Hispanic Heritage Concert 

  • September 20th at 7:30 pm and 9 pm at Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall, 500 W University Ave. M301.

Hispanic Heritage Walk and Yoga 

  • September 26th from 8 am to 10 am in the Playa Drain Trail followed by a yoga session at Hidden Valley Park, 200 Coconut Tre Ln.

Houston

Mexico en el Corazon

  • September 20th, 2024 from 7 to 10 pm
  • Discovery Green Park 

Party on the Plaza

  • September 21st, 2024 7-9:30 pm 
  • Avenida Houston

The Salsa Festival 2024

  • September 22nd from 1 to 10 pm
  • Discovery Green Park

Fiesta Sinfonica

  • September 27th 2024
  • The Houston Symphony

Sazon Latin Food Festival

  • October 20th, 2024 11 am-6 pm
  • Houston at Karbach Brewery

San Antonio

Mariachi Mondays

  • September 16th - October 14th, 6pm to 7pm 
  • Pearl Park 

Mercadito Cultural 

  • September 18th and 25th 5 pm to 9 pm 
  • Pearl’s Farmers Market

Nicos y Dichos art exhibit

  • September 21st to October 4th
  • Rinconcito de Esperanza

Rey Feo Superhero River Parade

  • September 28th, 6:30 pm to 10 pm
  • La Villita Arneson River Theater

Sazon Latin Food Festival

  • September 29th, 11 am to 6 pm
  • Pups and Pals Bar and Grill

Waco

Hispanic Leaders' Network presents Grupo Pakal "COLOR OF MAYA" 

  • September 21st, 1-2 pm
  • Mayborn Museum Complex 

Viva la Fiesta and Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

  • Tuesday, October 15 · 5:30 - 9 pm
  • Baylor Club

Editorial Note: Progress Texas is not an organizer of the listed events. If you have more Juneteenth events or celebrations you would like to add to the list, please send them our way: jackie@progresstexas.org.

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