Kick off Hispanic Heritage month this weekend with celebrations across the Puget Sound
Hispanic Heritage Month starts this weekend and there are plenty of events around the Puget Sound region that will celebrate and highlight Latine culture. The month-long celebrations from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 will be filled with music, traditional dance, art, food and more.
This holiday was first observed in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, but later expanded in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting September 15 by President Ronald Reagan. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.
The month-long celebration encompasses important dates for several Latin American countries. September 15 is important because Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all celebrate their Independence Day on that very day. Mexico celebrates their independence on September 16 and Chile celebrates theirs on September 18.
Pierce County Celebrations
Puyallup
Washington State Fair Fiestas Patrias
This event will feature live entertainment such as traditional mariachis and colorful folkloric dancers, authentic food, exhibits, games, shopping and more.
When: Sept. 17 , 1 - 9 p.m.
Where: Washington State Fair, 110 9th Ave. SW
Details: Washington State Fair Fiestas
Tacoma
Tacoma art museum- “El Noroeste” Art Exhibit
The Tacoma Art Museum will showcase the work of local Chicano/Latine artists in a week-long exhibition. Cheech Marin, an actor, director, writer and Chicano art collector, will be featured as the special guest speaker at the opening reception on Sept. 23. Tickets to the opening reception are sold out, but guests will be able to view the exhibit for free during the museum’s regular hours starting Sept. 24.
When: Sept. 23- Oct. 1
Where: Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave
Details: Tacoma Art Museum
Festival Latinx
Festival Latinx is an annual event that celebrates South Sound’s Latinx culture. The event is free and features live performances, music, art installations, food and local artisan vendors.
When: Oct. 14 12-5pm
Where: Tacoma Armory, 1001 S Yakima Ave
Details: Festival Latinx
Celebrando comunidad- Latinx celebration + awards
Celebrando comunidad celebrates members that identify as members of the Latinx community in the South Puget Sound or organizations that have contributed and positively impacted South Sound Latinx communities.
When: October 20
Where: University of Washington Tacoma
Details: Celebrando Comunidad
King County Celebrations
Seattle
Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias parade
When: Sept. 16 - 11 am 2:30 pm
Where: Sea Mar Community Car center, 1040 S. Henderson St.
“El Grito” Concert
“El Grito” will feature Aztec dances, mariachi music, Mexican folkloric dance performances, art and Mexican Food. This celebration commemorates Mexico’s independence day and that name come from the famous “Grito de Dolores” which signified the start of the Mexican War of Independence.
When: Sept. 17, 1- 4 p.m.
Where: Seattle Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave.
Details: El Grito concert
Redmond
El Grito 2023
This event will be hosted by the Centro Cultural Mexicano and will feature live mariachi music and Mexican food.
When: Sept. 17, 2 -4 p.m.
Where: Centro Cultural Mexicano, 7945 Gilman St.
Details: Centro Cultural Mexicano
