Feliz Hispanic Heritage Month, San Antonio. The observance starts Sunday, Sept. 15 and runs through Tuesday, Oct. 15 — spotlighting the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic Americans with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central + South America.

What is Hispanic Heritage Month?

Sept. 15 coincides with the date when five Latin American countries declared independence from Spain in 1821 — Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras + Nicaragua. Mexican Independence Day is Sept. 16 (Dieciséis de Septiembre), while Chile’s is Sept. 18.

How to celebrate

In San Antonio, Hispanic Heritage Month events will get rolling today + this weekend; here’s a sampling of the many fiestas around town. Vamos, amigos y amigas.

Mercadito Cultural | Historic Pearl | Wednesday, Sept. 18 + 25 | 5-9 p.m. | Enjoy live performances and shop from a specially-curated night market in one of the hottest places in the Alamo City.
Celebrando Tradiciones | Buena Vista Theater | Friday, Sept. 20 + Saturday, Sept. 21 | 7:30 p.m. | Witness the 30th anniversary performance of "Rio Bravo" with the Guadalupe Dance Company and Mariachi Azteca de América.

Live musical performances are part of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in San Antonio. | Photo courtesy of Matt Buikema

Hispanic Heritage Month Fourth Friday | Frost Plaza at the Rock at La Cantera | Friday, Sept. 27 | 6-11 p.m. | Listen to Latin artists, dance to cumbias, shop a vendor market, and check out local low-riders.
"Blue Beetle" | Cassiano Park | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 7-9:30 p.m. | See this young Latino college grad become a superhero and enjoy free paletas while supplies last.
Diez y Seis Mariachi Festival | La Villita Historic Arts Village | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 12-9 p.m. | Watch local + regional middle and high school mariachi bands compete while shopping a vendor market.
Artist Talk with Rolando Briseño | Centro de Artes | Thursday, Oct. 17 | 6-8 p.m. | Meet the artist behind Centro's latest exhibit and how different foods connects cultures through art.