National Hispanic Heritage Month

Every year, from September 15^th to October 15^th people around the country are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. This is a time to reflect on all of the cultures, history, and different contributions of Americans with Spaniard, Mexican, Central / South American and Caribbean backgrounds. This observance started back in 1968 as a Hispanic Heritage Week under the Lyndon Johnson Presidency. The week was then expanded to a month in August of 1988 by Ronald Reagan.

September 15^thholds significance of the start of the heritage month because that day is the anniversary of independence for 5 Latin American countries: Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16^th and 18^threspectively.  In Philadelphia, the city hosts a variety of activities to honor Hispanic Heritage Month, representing for its population of more than 238,000 Hispanics that make up 15.9% of the city population. Look below for different events happening throughout the city celebrating such a vibrate culture and people.

‍Dine Latino Restaurant Week- Sept19^th-23^rd
‍The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce organized 20 Latin—owned restaurants for the fall edition of restaurant week. Diners get a free appetizer or dessert when they purchase two entrees at participating establishments.

‍Taco Fiesta at Bok Bar- Sept22 | 6 pm -9 pm
This event was organized by the Association of Mexican Business Owners of Philadelphia at this roof top facility. This ticked event provides signature dishes, original artwork, and cultural activities.

¡BAILAR en FDR! Salsa Class + Social Dance in FDR Park – Sept 23^rd
Everyone is welcome to learn salsa and bachata at this semimonthly dance class at FDR Park’s boathouse. The lesson is an hour of instruction and then a social dance to show off what you have learned. This activity requires tickets.

Latin American Book Fair at LOVE Park - Sept 23^rd | 11 am - 5 pm
This is the fourth annual Latin Book Fair in LOVE Park. The event helps connect Latino illustrators, authors, and designers to Spanish- speaking readers throughout Philadelphia. This day long celebration of heritage holds live storytelling, musical performances and even book launches.

Puerto Rican Day Parade on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway- Sept 25^th | 12 pm - 3 pm
This annual parade brings out thousands of people to celebrate along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Over 1,500 people are making their way down then parkway performing traditional Latino music, dancing, and reciting poetry. This year’s parade theme is called “The Puerto Rican Dreamers.”