Feliz Hispanic Heritage Month, San Antonio. The observance starts Friday, Sept. 15 and runs through Sunday, 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.
- “El Grito” Cultural Program and Civic Ceremony | Historic Market Square | Friday, Sept. 15 | 6-9 p.m. | Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with free live Mexican music, folklorico dancers, as well as food + craft vendors.
- Viva Dieciséis | The Historic Pearl | Saturday, Sept. 16 | 5-9 p.m. | Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with free mariachi performances, loteria games, and a traditional grito by Consulado General of México.
- Throwback Film Series: “Selena” | Mission Marquee Plaza | Thursday, Sept. 21 | 7:30 p.m. | Bring the lawn chairs and enjoy local food trucks for a free nightly movie showing.
- Hispanic Heritage Month Wine & Food Pairing | Wine 210 | Wednesday, Sept. 27 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Try a specially curated wine menu paired with a food spread as you immerse yourself in Hispanic culture for $55.
- Rapsodia Mexicana | UTSA Recital Hall | Wednesday, Sept. 27 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Catch this free concert by the UTSA Orchestra celebrating Mexican music and the confluence of cultures in South Texas.
- Alebrije Expo | The Historic Pearl | Wednesday, Oct. 4–Sunday, Oct. 8 | 303 Pearl Parkway | Catch a free nightly viewing of these light up spirit creatures.
