How To Honor Hispanic Heritage Month New York
As the U.S. city with the largest Hispanic population, there may be no better place than New York City to celebrate and honor Hispanic Heritage Month. This annual celebration of Hispanic and Latino heritage takes place in September and October, and New Yorkers make sure to fill up the whole month with parades, events, film festivals, and more.
Today we’re going to answer your questions about Hispanic Heritage Month, break down the most important dates, and let you know just where to go in New York to celebrate. ¡Vámonos!
What Is Hispanic Heritage Month?
The National Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements for the United States. It is intended to commemorate how the U.S. Latin and Hispanic communities have influenced American culture and society.
When Is Hispanic Heritage Month?
National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place annually between September 15th and October 15th. These dates were chosen because a number of Latin American countries have Independence Days within that range. These include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, which all declared their independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. That month’s range includes the Independence Days for Chile, Mexico, and Belize, too.
Important Dates During Hispanic Heritage Month
- Thursday, September 15th – Independence Day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua
- Friday, September 16th – Mexico’s Independence Day
- Sunday, September 18th – Chile’s Independence Day
- Wednesday, September 21st – Belize’s Independence Day
- Monday, October 10th – Indigenous People Day
The TOP 9 Hispanic Heritage Month Events In New York
Looking for what to do for Hispanic Heritage Month in New York? We’ve gathered a number of inspiring events below.
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01
New York Latino Film Festival
Other Events in Harlem & Washington HeightsFeaturing international film premieres, short-form documentaries, web series, and more, the New York Latino Film Festival is dedicated to bringing attention to Hispanic culture and cinema. Since 1999, this festival has been the U.S.’s main Latino film festival and continues to promote and develop its film community through panels, screenings, conferences, and more.
When: Monday, September 12th through Sunday, September 18th
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02
New York Public Library
Building in Midtown Manhattan
From reading recommendations to all-star publishing panels, the New York Public Library has everything for a comprehensive Hispanic Heritage Month experience. Events include multilingual storytimes, live features on contemporary latina writers and latinx voices in poetry as well as deep dives into the NYPL archives.
For an even more immersive experience, the NYPL’s reading lists include recommendations for all ages by Latin American authors, including books for kids and bilingual books.
When: Thursday, September 15th to Saturday, October 15th
Visit the New York Public Library’s official Hispanich & Latinx Heritage Month page here.
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03
NY Arte Agave Festival
Other Events in BoweryOne of the plants most commonly found in Latin America, especially South America, Central America, and Mexico, agave and the drinks made from it are a big part of Hispanic culture and cuisine.
Celebrate that delicious plant with the NY Arte Agave Festival, a festival dedicated to fine agave spirits, arts, and entertainment. With more than 100 varieties of agave spirits to sample, local culinary, and more, you’re sure to have a fun evening.
When: Friday, September 16th from 6pm to 10pm
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04
Carnaval De La Cultura Latina
Other Events in FlushingWith a goal of promoting the art, music, dance, and great food from Latino culture, the Carnaval De La Cultura Latina is one of the best ways to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month.
Held during the first week of Hispanic Heritage Month on Junction Boulevard in Corona, Queens, the Carnaval has been going strong for 15 years. Fun for the whole family, you’ll find arts and crafts, music, food, inflatable rides, games, face painting, and giveaways.
When: Sunday, September 18th
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05
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage at Yankee Stadium
Walking Tour in Concourse
To honor Hispanic Heritage with some Major League stars, head out to Yankee Stadium in September. For a number of their 2022 games, the Yankees are offering attendees an exclusive NY Yankees hat with the flag of a Hispanic country of their choice.
Click to view the Yankees’ home schedule for their Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
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06
The Hispanic Society Museum & Library
Museum in Harlem & Washington Heights
Though Hispanic Heritage Month is full of loud, proud celebrations of film, dance, and song, there are many other types of art to be found here in New York.
One beautiful option is the display of watercolor paintings at the Hispanic Society Museum & Library. With work by American artists in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the beauty of Latin America through art.
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07
A La Calle Block Party
Other Events in Harlem & Washington HeightsWith a block party presented by a ballet company, you know you’re in for a good time. The A La Calle Block Party, hosted by Ballet Hispánico, is a celebration of dance, art, music, food, and culture. The event itself features food from local vendors, as well as live music and dance from artists like Flamenco Vivo, the Bombazo Dance Company, and the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company.
When: Sunday, October 2nd from 12pm to 4pm
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08
Panamanian Day Parade
Parade in Prospect HeightsFor the largest parade featuring Panamanian culture outside of Panama, make sure to catch the 27th annual Panamanian Day Parade. This yearly celebration highlights leaders, educators, artists, and celebrities from Panama. In addition to their Saturday showcase, they’ll be participating in the Hispanic Day Parade, too!
When: Saturday, October 8th, 2022 at 12pm
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09
Support one of the amazing Mexican restaurants or bars
Bar in East VillageOur Highlight
A very straightforward and, most importantly, delicious way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is to visit a Mexican or Puerto Rican restaurant or bar! The warmth and complexity of the food and cocktails is simply amazing.
My tip: These are the best Tequila and Mezcal Bars in NYC Right Now and these are the best Mexican Restaurants in NYC.
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