Top Destinations Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month for All Occasions

Chile celebrates its rich Hispanic and indigenous heritage through various events. Día de la Raza honours the cultural diversity, while Fiestas Patrias commemorates Chilean independence with parades and traditional festivities on Sept 18 and 19. The international Festival de Viña del Mar often showcases Latin American talent, and Semana de la Chilenidad highlights Chilean culture leading up to Fiestas Patrias. Día del Patrimonio Cultural (Cultural Heritage Day) provides free access to cultural institutions, allowing for a deeper exploration of Chile’s heritage, including Hispanic influences.

Miami offers a vibrant celebration of Hispanic heritage throughout the year. Hispanic Heritage Month, features special discounts, concerts, and events. The Calle Ocho Music Festival in Little Havana showcases the diversity of Hispanic cultures, while the Hispanic Heritage Fashion Show highlights Latin American designers. For arts and culture enthusiasts, the Latino Cultural Arts Festival at Coral Gables and the Miami Book Fair’s Latin American Program celebrate Hispanic contributions to art and writing while The Ibero-American Film Festival Miami showcases the best of Latin American and Iberian cinema. Even baseball fans can celebrate as the Miami Marlins host a special Hispanic Heritage Night with the Miami Marlin.

North Carolina’s rich cultural tapestry offers an immersive experience that highlights the profound impact of Hispanic heritage. From lively festivals and historical explorations to culinary delights, North Carolina has so much to offer. Visit the ever-growing La Fiesta del Pueblo celebrations which draws in more than 20,000 people. Participate in an evening featuring local Hispanic artists, chefs, and performers whilst taking in the beauty of Hispanic traditions through live entertainment and Latin cuisine.

Also, explore the vibrant Feria de la Familia in Charlotte, where you can tour the rich tapestry of Hispanic culture through art exhibits, music, and community gatherings. At this time of year, many Hispanic cooking classes are taking place throughout NC. Visit Chef Alyssa’s kitchen and sign up for either a private event or a class where she will guide you through how to expertly make a Hispanic inspired dish. To learn more and plan your Hispanic heritage months events, head to Visit North Carolina where you’ll find all the resources you need to plan an unforgettable visit.

In Orlando, the Viva Osceola festival in Kissimmee celebrates Hispanic culture with live music, dance performances, traditional foods, and arts and crafts. A long list of other performances will take place at venues in Orlando like Kia Center including Silvestre Dangond, Banda MS, the Orlando Salsa Festival and Latin Grammy winner Christian Nodal. The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has many shows lined up including Benise: Fiesta!, Capoeira Cultural Event & Batizado, La Casa de Bernarda Alba, and Latin pop star Emmanuel.

For art lovers, the Orlando Museum of Art features more than 900 artefacts from the indigenous cultures of North, Central, and South America. Additionally, the museum houses the most extensive collection of Mexican Chupícuaro figurines in the southeastern United States. The ¡Hola History! Exhibit at the Osceola County Welcome Center & History Museum highlights the rich stories, contributions, and influence of the Latin American community on the development of Central Florida. The Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County is celebrating “Pioneers of Change” with works by local artists on display at the Orange County Administration Building on select dates.

For food lovers, Orlando boasts 48 MICHELIN Guide restaurants, including several that highlight Hispanic and Latin influences. Among the one-MICHELIN-starred options are Capa Steakhouse & Bar at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, where you can savour Spanish-inspired cuisine with stunning views, and Papa Llama, a budget-friendly Peruvian gem located in Orlando’s Curry Ford West District. For a taste of Cuban cuisine, visit Otto’s High Dive, a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand spot, where the neighbourhood rum bar is co-owned by Justin Levaughn, a recipient of the MICHELIN Exceptional Cocktails Award.

Hispanic Festival, Inc. offers a diverse range of events celebrating Hispanic culture. The annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration showcases Latin music, dance, cuisine, and cultural exhibits, while Dia de los Muertos honours Mexican traditions with altars, face painting, and crafts. For young leaders, the Latino Youth Leadership Conferenceprovides workshops, speakers, and networking opportunities. The St. Louis Hispanic Leaders Group recognizes outstanding community members through formal events, and the vibrant Cinco de Mayo on Cherokee Street features parades, music, dance, and food.

The US Virgin Islands is truly the place to be for Hispanic Heritage Month—and the gorgeous weather doesn’t hurt. Fly les than 45-minute flight directly from Puerto Rico to St. Thomas where the US Virgin Islands’ Hispanic history dates back decades. Celebrate Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Day on the second Monday in October and honour the Puerto Ricans who have made sustainable contributions to the US Virgin Islands and those who have lived in the region for years. Often celebrated on the island of St. Croix, this event brings people from all three USVI islands, Puerto Rico, and many other surrounding Caribbean destinations. It’s an event full of excitement and joy for all who attend. Originating in Puerto Rico, the Piña Colada also made its way to the USVI, St. John specifically, in the mid-1950s. Serving some of the best Piña Coladas on the island, The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort is the ideal spot for those looking to unwind all while celebrating its Puerto Rican roots. Around this same time of year, the Caribbean Museum Center in St. Croix boasts a series of Hispanic art exhibitions honouring Hispanic Heritage Month. Featuring art from a range of artists based both in and around the US Virgin Islands, these exhibits are worth the visit.

Washington, D.C. offers a variety of Hispanic Heritage Month events. The CHCI 2024 Leadership Conference & Awards Gala, hosted by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, is a prominent gathering of Latino leaders, featuring networking opportunities and awards recognizing Hispanic contributions. The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Savour the Night Celebration highlights Latin American cuisine and culture, fostering networking among attendees. The Smithsonian Institution offers exhibitions, podcasts, and events celebrating Latino history and culture, culminating in the development of the National Museum of the American Latino. Finally, the DC Public Library’sLatino Festival 2024 provides an immersive experience of Latin American art, music, and culture at Shepherd Park.