¡Saludos! The month celebrating the experiences, cultures, and contributions of Latina/e/o/x and Hispanic communities in the U.S. begins Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15. Hispanic Heritage Month was nationally recognized in 1988. Almost 100,000 Hispanic folk live in Davidson County, and it’s a great time to honor their history and support their businesses, especially after this year’s ICE activity.
Why does this heritage month start in the middle of September? It marks a significant period in the region’s liberation from its colonizers. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua declared independence from Spain on Sept. 15, 1821. Mexico celebrates independence on Sept. 16 and Chile on Sept. 18. Belize declared independence from the United Kingdom on Sept. 21, 1981.
Here are some ways you can celebrate this month:
Plaza Mariachi has free events every day of the week that center Hispanic culture, from salsa nights to lotería to live music and so much more.
🎥 Nashville Film Festival (Sept. 18-24)
The Nashville Film Festival features indie films and documentaries, including many movies about Hispanic communities. The Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be giving the Best Hispanic Film award.
📚 Puppet Truck Presents “Tomás and the Library Lady” (Sept. 19-Oct. 15)
Treat your kids to a puppet show based on the true story of education leader Tomás Rivera at several library branches throughout the month.
🎸 Maná: “Vivir Sin Aire Tour” (Sept. 20)
Rock out at legendary Mexican band Maná’s latest tour at Bridgestone Arena.
💃 Tablao Flamenco (Sept. 26-27)
TPAC is transforming into an intimate nightclub for a night of flamenco dancing from award-winning artists in the U.S. and Europe.
🦒 Hispanic Heritage Festival (Sept. 27)
Every year, the Nashville Zoo partners with Conexión Américas for a super fun day of events. This year’s lineup includes numerous folk dancers, live music, pan dulce samples, and a special concessions menu featuring Latin American food.
⚽ Nashville SC’s Hispanic Heritage Night (Sept. 27)
Nashville SC faces off with the Houston Dynamo at GEODIS Park. All proceeds for their commemorative pin benefit Conexión Américas, and it gets you discounts at local restaurants.
🎉 Celebrate Nashville (Oct. 4)
Celebrate Nashville’s diverse communities at this free annual event at Centennial Park with shopping, live music, dancing, food, and family-friendly activities.
Join chefs Mikey Corona (Tio Fun) and Jesse Valenciana (Secret Bodega) at Casa Azafrán to co-create Mexico City-style dishes and enjoy a shared meal with drinks.
