September 15th to October 15th is designated as National Hispanic Heritage Month. The month-long designation is a time to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Hispanic Americans.
Pennsylvania is home to a fast-growing Hispanic and Latino community, with the latest census data reporting a population of more than one million: that’s up nearly 50% from 2010. This diverse group of Pennsylvanians – with roots from Mexico, Spain, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and other Latin American and Iberian nations – plays a vital role in making our commonwealth thrive. Our businesses, schools, and communities all benefit from a diverse makeup of Pennsylvanians.
The PA Senate Democrats are committed to recognizing the specific needs and issues facing the Hispanic and Latino community. As community members, we are honored to learn more about the stories, successes, and struggles that have shaped the Hispanic/Latino experience in Pennsylvania, the United States, and beyond.
From September 15th through October 15th, events will be happening throughout the commonwealth to recognize and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. We encourage you to participate in your local area and recognize the many ways Hispanic/Latino leaders and traditions have contributed to the melting pot that is our country.
2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Pennsylvania Commission on Latino Affairs
The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (GACLA) is dedicated to advising the governor on policies and legislation that impact Latino American communities. GACLA and its commissioners have proficiently served Pennsylvania’s growing Latino community since 1971.
GACLA aims to contribute to the governor’s goal of government that works, schools that teach, and jobs that pay, for everyone.
Pennsylvania Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Berks
Penn State Berks Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
As part of the college’s ongoing efforts to engage with and support the local Hispanic and Latino communities, Penn State Berks will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15) with a variety of vibrant events, educational presentations, and cultural showcases. These events include dynamic speakers, Latin cuisine, music, dancing, and much more. All events are free and open to the public.
Erie
Fiesta on the Square
Date – September 14, 2024
12pm to 7 pm
o Join the City of Erie’s Hispanic Latine Advisory Council and Erie Latino Leadership Association (ELLA) for their Fiesta on the Square event, featuring Hispanic and Latino vendors and performers, plus a car show and much more.
Harrisburg
Latino Hispanic American Community Center Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival
Date – September 14, 2024
10 am – 3 pm
The Latino Hispanic American Community Center will be holding its annual Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday, September 14! Get ready for an exhilarating experience as we kick off the 14th year of this extraordinary festival, dedicated to honoring and embracing the rich traditions of Hispanic Heritage month which goes from September 15th-October 15th.
Philadelphia
Where to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Philadelphia in 2024
Philadelphia goes big for Hispanic Heritage Month. Did you expect anything less? Officially running from September 15 through October 15, 2024, Hispanic Heritage Month brings city-wide celebrations highlighting Philly’s diverse Hispanic and Latino community. And with so much to do, the city gets an early start.
Lehigh Valley
2024 Hispanic Chamber Annual Awards Gala
Date – September 29, 2024
6 pm
To kickoff Hispanic Heritage Month, the Hispanic Chamber is hosting this awards reception in appreciation and in celebration of the community’s Hispanic entrepreneurs and executives with live entertainment combined with a silent auction fundraiser to benefit the Fé Foundation. This is the largest Hispanic business gala in the Lehigh Valley.
Lancaster
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Date – October 5, 2024
1:00–5:00PM
Binns Park & Ewell Plaza
Celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Lancaster’s Hispanic culture during our joyous tribute to Hispanic Heritage Month!
Pittsburgh
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Date – September 14, 2024
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is thrilled to honor and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. Join us throughout the day for Latin music performances and dance classes with Los Sabrosos, La Palapa food truck, Spanish-language tours, and other activities throughout the museums.
State College
Happy Valley Latin Festival
Date – September 14, 2024
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Happy Valley Latin Festival in a one-day music and arts festival bringing together Latin music, art & crafts vendors showcasing the vibrance and diversity of the Latinx/Hispanic culture in Central Pennsylvania.