National Hispanic Heritage Month occurs between September 15 and October 15, and the starting date signifies the day that Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua gained independence. It is the beginning of the 31-day acknowledgment of the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America in the nationwide celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. This month is also known as Mexican Heritage Month or Latinx Heritage Month.
To celebrate, we’re showcasing several fun ways to honor the month through various activities including tours, movies, music, recipes, books and more!
Take a Tour: Take a self-guided virtual trip to visit some of these cultural sites and museums.
- Smithsonian Latino Virtual Museum
- Google Arts & Culture Latino Cultures in the US – Explore the powerful voices, resilient communities, and deep historical roots of Latino culture through:
- Icons & Heroes
- Arts & Entertainment
- History & Traditions
- Latino Communities Today
- Frida Kahlo’s Home: Casa Azul
What to Watch: Here are some movies for Hispanic Heritage Month:
- In The Heights
- Selena
- Roma
- Coco
- Real Women Have Curves
- Like Water for Chocolate
- Discovering Colombia
- The Book of Life
- West Side Story
What to Read:
- The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz
- One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
- Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
- How The Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvarez
- The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez
- The Devil’s Highway: A True Story by Luis Alberto Urrea
- The Poetry of Pablo Neruda
What to Eat: In addition to reflecting on Hispanic history and culture, the month is also a fun time to celebrate through food. Check out these 25 recipes from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain and more.
What to Listen to: Let this heat-infused mix move you through the month, as you dance till you break a sweat, swoon until you float away, or just lie still and let your heart beat to the rhythms.
- “La Vida Es un Carnaval” by Celia Cruz
- “Quimbara” by Johnny Pacheco & Celia Cruz
- “La Negra Tiene Tumbao” by Celia Cruz
- “La Vaca” by Mala Fe
- “Pa’ Que Retozen” by Tego Calderón
- “Punto y Aparte” by Tego Calderón
- “Regálame una Noche” by Maelo Ruiz
- “Te Va a Doler” by Maelo Ruiz
- “Huaracha Sabrosona” by Javier Lopez y Sus Reyes Ballenatos
- “Ni una Sola Palabra” by Paulina Rubio
- “Safaera” by Bad Bunny, Jowell & Randy, & Ñengo Flow
- “200 Mph” by Bad Bunny, Diplo, & Nitti Gritti
- “La Romana” by Bad Bunny & El Alfa
- “MIA” by Bad Bunny & Drake
- “PA’ ROMPERLA” by Bad Bunny & Don Omar
- “Danza Kuduro” by Don Omar & Lucenzo
- “Salió el Sol” by Don Omar
- “Quién Como Tú” by Ana Gabriel
- “Amor Eterno” by Rocío Dúrcal
- “Sabor a Mi” by Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez
- “Amorcito Corazón” by Lupita Infante & Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez
- “Maria Maria” by Santana feat. The Product G&B
- “Oye Como Va” by Santana
- “Corazón Espinado” by Santana feat. Maná
- “Oye Mi Amor” by Maná
- “Mariposa Traicionera” by Maná
- “La Tortura” by Shakira feat. Alejandro Sanz
- “Black Lipstick” by Chicano Batman
- “Corazón de Roca” by Chicano Batman & Caloncho
- “Quiero Bailar” by Ivy Queen
- “Yo Perrero Sola — Remix” by Bad Bunny, Nesi, & Ivy Queen
- “La Roca” by Ivy Queen
- “El Farolito” by Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
- “Tutu” by Camilo & Pedro Capó
- “Tattoo — Remix” by Rauw Alejandro & Camilo
- “Mi Gente” by J Balvin & Willy William
- “Atrévete-Te-Te” by Calle 13
- “El Mechón” by Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga
- “La Quebradora” by Banda El Recodo
- “Vamonos de Fiesta” by Banda El Recodo