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.
There are currently about 896,000 Hispanic Americans living in Pennsylvania, contributing to what makes this commonwealth thrive. Businesses, schools and communities all benefit from a diverse makeup of Pennsylvanians, including those with roots from Mexico, Spain, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and other Latin American and Iberian nations. The PA Senate Democrats are committed to recognizing the specific needs and issues facing the Latino community. As community members, we are honored to learn more about the stories, successes and struggles that have shaped the Hispanic experience in the United States and beyond.
From now through October 15th, events will be happening throughout the Commonwealth to recognize and celebrate Hispanic heritage. We encourage you to participate in your local area and recognize the dynamic ways Hispanic leaders and traditions have contributed to the melting pot that is our country.
Hispanic Heritage Month 2021 Kickoff
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
Bethlehem
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration presentation for grades 2
Date – September 25, 2021
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The Bethlehem Public Library to an event in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Discover the life and art of Frida Kahlo, listen to Mexican folk music, immerse yourself in the rich culture of Mexico and its people. No registration is required for this event. The presentation is best suited to grades 2 – adult. Masks are a must for all in attendance.
Lehigh Valley
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration presentation for grades 2
The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with Semana de Sabor! Support your local, Latino, Latinx, Hispanic, Afro-Latino eateries the week of September 15-21! Stay tuned for a list of participating restaurants!
Philadelphia
How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Philadelphia in 2021
When Philadelphia honors Hispanic Heritage Month, the city kicks things off in a big way.
The national celebration, officially from September 15 through October 15, begins in Philly with Centro de Oro’s neighborhood-centric Feria del Barrio.
The month of events and programs highlights the city’s diverse cultures and dynamic neighborhoods that have drawn global attention and landed Philly on many must-visit lists.
York
SAMRC 2nd Annual Multicultural Festival
Date: October 16, 2021
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we invite you to join us at the 2nd Annual Multicultural Festival in the city of York, PA.
There will be Live Music, Various DJs, Multicultural Entertainment, Crafts, Various Ethnic Foods, Health Education , Children’s Activities, and much more.
Ephrata
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Date – September 15, 2021
6:00 PM
The Ephrata Public Library will take look at the contributions of Hispanic artists. Participants will create their own piece of Mexican folk art. Ages 8-12.
Reading
Hispanic Heritage Month Drive-In Series: Buena Vista Social Club
Aging Cuban musicians whose talents had been virtually forgotten following Castro’s takeover of Cuba, are brought out of retirement by Ry Cooder, who travelled to Havana in order to bring the musicians together, resulting in triumphant performances of extraordinary music, and resurrecting the musicians’ careers.
Pittsburgh
Hispanic Heritage Month Opening
Date: September 15, 2021
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
510 W Station Square Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be networking, enjoying food, beverages, the beautiful city view and music by Noel Quintana to celebrate the opening of Hispanic Heritage Month sponsored by our friends at the Pittsburgh River Hounds.
Lancaster
Hispanic Heritage Month, held September 15 to October 15, is a national celebration of Hispanic Americans and their contributions to the United State’s society and culture. The month recognizes those with heritage to Mexico, Central America, Spain, South America, and the Caribbean’s Spanish-speaking nations.
Here in Lancaster City, we know that our large Hispanic population deeply enriches our culture, whether through artistic ability, the hard work of Hispanic business owners, fantastic cuisine, teaching in our schools, or simply through the bond of friendship.
Penn State
Events celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month at Penn State
Penn State units at campuses across the commonwealth will be holding virtual or distanced events in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated mid-September to mid-October.
The unifying theme for this year’s observances, chosen by the University Park Hispanic Heritage Month organizing committee in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is “¡A Nuestra Salud!: Health in the Latinx Community.”
University of Pittsburgh
Events celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month at Penn State
The University of Pittsburgh partners across Pittsburgh including Carnegie Mellon University, Community College of Allegheny County, Duquesne University, Point Park University, Slippery Rock and Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who have come together to develop a comprehensive Pittsburgh-based month of LHHM 2021 activities that fall within four core principles: cultural, educational, social, and advocacy. The committee includes representatives from across the campus, as well as those from local organizations and other colleges and universities in Pittsburgh, who are striving to create a collaborative calendar of events intended to create awareness of Hispanics/Latinas/os/xs in Pittsburgh and the broader U.S. context.