SAN ANTONIO — Hispanic culture, history and tradition will take center stage when Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off this month. Running from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, it's a time to celebrate the contributions, accomplishments, and influence of Hispanic and Latin Americans.
The celebration goes back to 1968, when then-President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the National Hispanic Heritage Week bill into law. Representative Esteban Torres of California proposed a bill to expand the observance, saying more time was needed to properly observe Hispanic culture and achievement. In 1988, the month-long observance was signed into law by then-President Ronald Reagan.
Various San Antonio-area organizations and venues are hosting events to mark Hispanic Heritage Month this year, from movie screenings and exhibits to lectures and fiestas. Read on to learn more about them.
An ongoing exhibit organized by the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute, or MACRI, honors and educates visitors about the impact of Alonso S. Perales. The Texas-born activist helped start the Independent Voters Association in San Antonio and was an influential 20th-century figure in the world of politics and Mexican American civil rights.
While the exhibit has been up since June, it continues through Hispanic Heritage Month before ending Oct. 19.
Where: 2123 Buena Vista St.
When: Exhibit open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., or by appointment
Cost: Free
The City of San Antonio's Department of Arts and Culture and Diez y Seis de Septiembre Commission are hosting the Fiestas Patrias and Hispanic Heritage Month 2024. In addition to a two-day festival in Historic Market Square, there are also several other events scheduled throughout Hispanic Heritage Month. See the full schedule here.
Where: Historic Market Square
When: Sept. 14 to Sept. 15. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. each day
Cost: Free
The students from San Antonio's Parks and Recreation dance program will perform regional Mexican folklorico dances to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexican Independence Day.
Where: Arneson River Theatre
When: Sept. 15, 11 a.m.
Cost: Free
A grand fiesta commemorating Diez y Seis de Septiembre – Mexican Independence Day – will return to the Pearl on Sunday, Sept. 15, a day early so families can participate. The party will feature musical performances, child-friendly activities and its trademark grito contest for attendees to belt out their pride for all to hear.
Where: The Pearl
When: Sept. 15, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Every Wednesday from Sept. 18 to Oct. 9, the local-favorite social spot just north of downtown will host evening cultural markets featuring artisans and performances honoring Hispanic heritage.
Where: The Pearl
When: Sept. 18, Sept. 25, Oct. 2, Oct. 9. From 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Briscoe will host an interactive evening where art will meet nature as visitors learn about the monarch butterfly's annual migration to Mexico. Attendees will be able to sip on beverages while a local artist guides them through painting their own butterfly masterpieces. Limited to those 21 and up.
Where: The Briscoe Western Art Museum (210 West Market St.)
When: Sept. 19, from 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Cost: $45 for museum non-members, $25 for members. Buy tickets here.
The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office is offering a free, family-friendly event including entertainment, food trucks, and a screening of the Disney film "Encanto."
Where: Mission Marquee Plaza
When: Sept. 21, 7 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
MujerArtes Women’s Clay Cooperative and Esperanza Peace and Justice Center are hosting “Nichos y Dichos” Exhibit and Sale! On display will be 50 hand painted pieces by the woman artists.
Where: 816 S. Colorado
When: Opening night, Sept. 21, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Various dates after that until Oct. 4.
Cost: Free
UTSA Football Hispanic Heritage Game
Cheer on our Roadrunners as they face Houston Christian University! The game will feature a special halftime show with Ballet Folklórico Sol de San Antonio and Mariachi Los Paisanos performing with the Spirit of San Antonio Marching Band.
Where: Alamodome
When: Saturday, Sept. 23, 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Click here for tickets
This first-annual pachanga celebrating the sounds, taste, art and culture of "All Things Latin" at San Antonio’s newest Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
Where: UTSA Downtown Campus at Bill Miller Plaza
When: Saturday, Oct. 5, noon-11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Rey Feo Super Heroes River Parade for Education features popular superheroes from comics, movies and TV shows while raising money for scholarships.
Where: Arnison River Theatre
When: Saturday, Sept. 28. Parade from 7 p.m. -10 p.m. Pre-parade festival in La Villita from noon to 11 p.m.
Cost: River Level Seating $20, Theater Seating $20
The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office is offering a free, family-friendly event including entertainment, food trucks, and a screening of "Blue Beetle," the very first live-action comic book centered on a Latino/a hero.
Where: Mission Marquee Plaza
When: Sept. 28, 7 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, this event is a modern twist on a classic game. Millenial Loteria includes music, light refreshments and snacks.
Where: Central Library, 600 Soledad
When: Oct. 12. 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
A festival spotlighting the talents of local middle and high school mariachis makes its return in October, with event proceeds going towards supporting music education in the Alamo City. Get your dancing shoes on!
Where: Arneson River Theatre
When: Oct. 12, noon to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Don't see your event on this calendar? Email us about it at news@kens5.com.
