Hispanic Heritage Month 2024: Observe Events Across the Country

From coast to coast, celebrate while learning more about Latino history and culture

Carlos J. Queirós,

AARP

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En español

Published September 12, 2024

colorful collage of various Hispanic American exhibits and performers

Exhibits, performances and parades are part of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. Clockwise from left, a Frida Kahlo exhibit in Dallas; a Celebration of Latin American Arts & Culture in Orlando, Florida; the Hispanic Day Parade in New York; the Dia de los Muertos Fiesta at the California Museum in Sacramento; and New York’s Mexican Independence Day Parade.

Photo Collage: AARP (Courtesy of: Dallas Museum; California Museum; Orange County Regional History Center , Source: Shutterstock; Getty Images(2))

It seems almost mandatory to start any article about Hispanic Heritage Month by defining “Hispanics” or “Latinos.” Or should we use the more inclusive terms “Latinx” or “Latine”? These lively (and necessary) debates around identity will surely continue beyond Hispanic Heritage Month. Any way you look at it, Hispanics — as the Census Bureau defines the term — are the largest minority group in the U.S. According to recently released 2023 population estimates, there are 65 million Hispanics in the U.S., accounting for approximately 19.5 percent of the population. According to the census data, there are about 10.6 million Hispanics 55 and older.

“One of the biggest misconceptions that people have about the Latino community in the United States is that we are all one and the same culture,” says David Coronado, assistant director of communications at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino. “The reality is that we all have very different backgrounds and traditions, and it’s those things that make us very unique and special, even though we do have lots of similarities as well, especially in our foodways.”

Census statistics from 2022 bear out Coronado’s assertion. The largest group, at 37.4 million people, is of Mexican origin, representing nearly 60 percent of the Hispanic population. Puerto Ricans follow at 5.9 million people, but this figure doesn’t include the approximately 3.2 million living on the island. Six other Hispanic origin groups have populations of 1 million or more: Salvadorans, Cubans, Dominicans, Guatemalans, Colombians and Hondurans.

How did the monthlong observance meant to celebrate these rich and varied cultures come to be?

Hispanic Heritage Month — running from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 — grew from a weeklong observance under President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. Twenty years later, in 1988, it was expanded to 30 days by President Ronald Reagan. The start date of Sept. 15 coincides with the independence celebrations of five Central American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence Sept. 16, followed by Chile on Sept. 18 and Belize on Sept. 21. There are countless ways to celebrate the month throughout the United States — several are listed below — that also present the opportunity to learn more about Latino culture and history.

“It’s important to learn Latino history because it’s a fundamental part of the American story,” Coronado says. “It helps us tell a more accurate and complete story of the United States. Latino contributions have heavily influenced who we are today as a nation.”

Each state has a unique story to tell about Latinos from early roots through the present day, encompassing architectural landmarks, culinary traditions and influential figures. Below we spotlight a bit of that history in the four states that have the largest Hispanic populations.

members of Ballet Folklorico de Sacramento performing at the California Museum

Ballet Folklorico de Sacramento performs at the California Museum.

Courtesy the California Museum

1. California

Latino history in California began in 1542 with Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo. Both the Portuguese and Spanish claim him as their own, a debate that’s not likely to be settled anytime soon. What’s not arguable are the Latino contributions throughout the state. This history, from Spanish colonization to Mexican rule to U.S. statehood, lives on in California’s Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. It’s also in beloved Mexican staples such as the tacos served by street vendors and high-end restaurants alike. This rich heritage has fueled cultural contributions and civil rights movements. After moving to San Francisco in his teens, musician Carlos Santana, 77, pioneered an innovative blend of rock, Latin American jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms, setting a standard in world music. Cofounder of the association that became the United Farm Workers union, Dolores Huerta, 94, coined the rallying cry “Sí, se puede!” (“Yes, you can!”) and remains active in social justice movements. According to the most recent data provided by the census, California is the state with the largest Hispanic population, at 15.76 million.

California Hispanic Heritage Month events

San Francisco: Sept. 10 through Oct. 15 (San Francisco Public Library, various branches)

From showings of Frida and Selena to a screen printing workshop and tango class, the San Francisco Public Library is full of learning opportunities. “Our mission is twofold: that our city’s Latin American community, especially children, see their experiences reflected in our programming and their cultures celebrated; and to offer others the opportunity to learn something new and fascinating and discover the rich tapestry of cultures that make up Latin America,” says Alejandro Gallegos, community engagement manager at the library. Visit the library’s calendar for more information.

Los Angeles: Sept. 29 from 2 to 3 p.m. (LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes)

In a panel discussion, authors Carribean Fragoza, Estella González and Daniel Olivas will talk about their latest work and writing journeys. To register and find out about other AARP-sponsored Hispanic Heritage Month events in the state, from art workshops to cooking demonstrations, visit AARP’s California page.

Sacramento: Oct. 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. (California Museum)

Learn more about the new exhibit Arte de Inspiración: Dia de los Muertos 2024 at the California Museum’s annual Día de los Muertos Fiesta. Meet the exhibit’s artists, listen to live music and watch a dance performance by the Ballet Folklorico de Sacramento. For more information, visit the California Museum site.

Frida Kahlo exhibit at the The Dallas Museum of Art

The Dallas Museum of Art has a Frida Kahlo exhibit.

Courtesy Dallas Museum of Art

2. Texas

The census confirmed that Hispanics are Texas’ largest demographic group, at more than 12 million residents. Spanish explorers first arrived in Texas in the early 16th century, though the settlement of what became San Antonio didn’t occur until the early 18th century. Of course, we can’t forget the Alamo, which was established as Mission San Antonio de Valero in 1718 by Spanish missionaries. With its stone, mud and wooden walls and arched doorways, the Alamo is an iconic example of Spanish Colonial architecture and a landmark synonymous with Texas heritage. The list of notable Texan Hispanics is long. Selena, the “Queen of Tejano Music” was born in Lake Jackson and is remembered for bringing that music to a wider mainstream audience. Jennifer Lopez, 55, who played Selena in the 1997 biopic, and Selena Gomez, who was named after her, drew inspiration from how the Texan singer embraced both American and Latin culture. José Angel Gutiérrez, 79, of Crystal City, cofounded the Raza Unida Party, a major political group for Mexican American civil rights in the 1970s. Corpus Christi-born Eva Longoria, 49, known by many from her role on Desperate Housewives, has also become a strong voice in the fight for Latino representation.

Texas Hispanic Heritage Month events

San Antonio: Sept. 15 through Oct. 15

San Antonio has a different event for just about every day of Hispanic Heritage Month. From an Alamo book talk Sept. 28 to a mariachi festival Oct. 12. The Visit San Antonio website has more details.

Dallas: Sept. 15 through Oct. 15

There’s a wealth of activities and events to celebrate the month in Dallas, from a Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art to a Latin Dance Festival and live cooking demonstrations. Learn more about various ways to celebrate during the month.

Houston: Sept. 17 to 24 from 9 to 10 a.m. (East End Esplanade)

Join AARP in celebrating Hispanic culture with walks through Houston’s historic neighborhoods. Each walk features a special guest speaker who will spotlight the contributions of Hispanic artists to the community. Visit AARP in Houston to register.

woman displays color outfit at The Fourth Annual Celebration of Latin American Arts & Culture

The Fourth Annual Celebration of Latin American Arts & Culture takes place in Orlando, Florida.

Courtesy Orange County Regional History Center & Historical Society of Central Florida

3. Florida

Like California, Florida has roots in Latino culture that are found in the very name of the state. Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León’s three ships came ashore in April 1513. This was during the Easter season, known in Spanish as Pascua Florida, or the “Feast of the Flowers.” The naming of Florida wasn’t just a matter of timing, it also suited the florid vegetation Ponce de León observed upon arrival. Florida boasts the third-largest population of Hispanics in the U.S., an approximate 6.2 million. From the domino players in Miami’s Little Havana to the Mediterranean Revival style of Coral Gables — which incorporates elements of Spanish Colonial architecture — the Hispanic community has left a mark on Florida’s arts, foods (croquetas, ropa vieja, tostones, yum) and daily life. Cultural ambassadors such as Gloria Estefan, 67, have made Latin rhythms mainstream in America. Andy Garcia, 68, has brought Hispanic characters, including Spanish poet Federico García Lorca and renowned Cuban trumpet player Arturo Sandoval, 74, to the big screen.

Florida Hispanic Heritage Month events

Orlando: Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Orange County Regional History Center)

The Fourth Annual Celebration of Latin American Arts & Culture will feature artists representing several Latin American countries, as well as heritage performances and family-friendly crafts and activities. “A guiding principle in our mission statement is to serve our community as a gateway for engagement, education and inspiration,” says Stu Worobetz, interim executive director of Orange County Regional History Center. “Events such as celebrating Latin American arts and culture manage to touch on each of these points.” Visit the center’s page for more information.

St. Augustine: Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. (St. Johns County Ocean Pier)

The St. Johns Cultural Council kicks off the month at the St. Augustine Beach Pier with a performance by 10-piece salsa band LPT. Visit the event page for more details.

Miami: Oct. 18 from 6 to 10 p.m. (The Havana Collection)

Wrap up the month on historic Calle Ocho with free food, drinks and music to celebrate community milestones. Learn more on the event site.

a woman and young boy hold flags at The Hispanic Day Parade

The Hispanic Day Parade runs along Fifth Avenue in New York.

Ira L. Black/Getty Images

4. New York

Juan Rodriguez from Santo Domingo (today’s Dominican Republic) arrived in Manhattan in 1613, becoming the first Latino settler in what became New York City. His presence predated Dutch and English colonization. The streets of New York’s neighborhoods reflect a strong Latino presence. In 2013, a section of Broadway was named Juan Rodriguez Way to honor the Dominican’s arrival. In August 2020, Tito Puente Way was added to East 110th Street. It honors the Spanish Harlem-born musician who popularized Latin jazz and mambo. In August 2015, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton debuted on Broadway. It redefined what a Broadway show could be by blending hip-hop with musical theater and casting people of color in the roles of America’s Founding Fathers. Sonia Sotomayor, 70, was born in the Bronx. In 2009, she became the first Hispanic justice in the Supreme Court’s history. Nearly 3.9 million Hispanics reside in the state, according to census data.

New York Hispanic Heritage Month events

New York City: Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 (Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance Gallery)

The Hispanic Heritage in the Heights exhibition at NoMAA Gallery in Washington Heights features contemporary art from Latino artists, celebrating their contributions to New York’s cultural landscape. The opening and artist talk is scheduled for Sept. 27. Visit the exhibition’s page for more information.

New York City: Oct. 13 at 12 p.m.

Join the more than 1 million people expected to attend the annual Hispanic Day Parade that runs along Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 77th Street. The parade will feature delegations from 21 countries that showcase their folklore, music and traditions.

New York City: Sept. 11 through Oct. 16 (New York Public Library)

The New York Public Library has a wealth of programming throughout the month, from movie screenings to writing workshops and craft events such as making your own maracas. Go to the event calendar for more information.

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Carlos J. Queirós is an award-winning trilingual writer, editor and content strategist. He has written extensively for AARP and other publications on a wide range of topics and on issues relevant to the 50-plus community.