Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off this weekend. Here’s where to celebrate in Puget Sound
Sunday marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, and the Puget Sound region is filled with free celebrations that honor and highlight Latine/x culture.
The month-long celebrations from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 will be filled with music, traditional dance, art, food and more. The celebration was first observed in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week but expanded in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988.
The month-long celebration encompasses important dates for several Latin American countries. Sept. 15 is important because Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all celebrate their Independence Day on that day. Mexico celebrates its independence on Sept. 16 and Chile celebrates its on Sept. 18.
Pierce County celebrations
Puyallup
Washington State Fair Fiestas Patrias
The event will feature live entertainment including traditional mariachis and colorful folkloric dancers, authentic food, exhibits, games, shopping and more.
When: Sept. 15 , 1-6 p.m.
Where: Washington State Fair, 110 9th Ave. SW
Details: Washington State Fair Fiestas
Nuestro Barrio
Nuestro Barrio, a latina-owned multicultural store, will host a Mexican Independence Day event that will feature products from local vendors as well as food and drinks.
When: Sept. 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Nuestro Barrio, 116 S. Meridian
Details: Nuestro Barrio
Lakewood
Concert: The Sounds of Mexico
Lakewold Gardens is collaborating with Mexican Consulate in Seattle’s MEXAM NW Festival and Mexico’s National Institute of Fine Arts. The concert will feature classical music by Mexican composers and is one of two concerts.
When: Sept. 15, 3 p.m.
Where: Lakewold Gardens, 12317 Gravelly Lake Drive SW
Details: Mexam NW Festival
Tacoma
Festival Herencia Latina
Festival Herencia Latina, formerly known as Festival Latinx, is an annual event that celebrates South Sound’s Latine culture and is hosted by Latinx Unidos of the South Sound. The event is free and features live performances, music, art installations, food and local artisan vendors.
When: Oct. 12, noon-5 p.m.
Where: Tacoma Armory, 1001 S. Yakima Ave.
Details: Festival Latinx
Celebrando Comunidad- Latine Celebration + Awards
Celebrando Comunidad celebrates people who identify as members of the Latine community in South Puget Sound or organizations that have contributed and have positively impacted South Sound Latinx communities.
When: Oct. 11, 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: University of Washington Tacoma
Details: Celebrando Comunidad
King County celebrations
Seattle
Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias
The event will take place over a span of two days and will feature a health fair, art exhibits, live music and activities for children.
When: Sept. 14, 1-9 p.m. and Sept. 15, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Sea Mar Community Car center, 1040 S. Henderson St.
Details: Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias
“El Grito” Concert
“El Grito” will feature Aztec dances, mariachi music, Mexican folkloric dance performances, art and Mexican Food. The celebration commemorates Mexico’s Independence Day and unity and will showcase live musical and dance performances.
When: Sept. 15, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Seattle Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave.
Details: El Grito concert
Fiestas Patrias Parade
The Fiestas Patrias Parade is part of a larger Latin American Independence celebration and free and open to everyone. The parade will kick-off at the Sea Mar Community Health Centers and will conclude at the South Park Community Center.
When: Sept. 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Sea Mar Community Health Centers, 1040 S. Henderson St.
Details: Mexam NW Festival
Redmond
Fiestas Patrias - Grito de la Independencia de Mexico
The event will be hosted by the Centro Cultural Mexicano and will feature live mariachi music and free food.
When: Sept. 15, 1-3 p.m.
Where: Centro Cultural Mexicano, 7945 Gilman St.
Details: Centro Cultural Mexicano
This story was originally published September 14, 2024 at 5:15 AM.
