Hispanic Heritage Month: Local events and a bit of history.
- Michael Merrill
- Sep 17
- 5 min read
Each year from September 15 to October 15, the United States observes Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s a time to honor the history, culture, and achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans. You may know it as a celebration filled with music, food, and community events, but the history behind Hispanic Heritage Month is full of surprising details that most people don’t know.
In this article, we’ll explore the origins, reasons for the mid-September start date, the important role this month plays today — and what you can do to celebrate in the Portland–Vancouver area.
Why Hispanic Heritage Month Starts on September 15
Unlike many cultural observances that begin on the first of a month, Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off on September 15. This isn’t random — it marks the independence anniversaries of five Latin American countries:
Costa Rica
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Nicaragua
Additionally, Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18, making mid-September especially meaningful.
The Presidential Proclamation That Started It All
Hispanic Heritage Month didn’t begin as a month — it started as a week-long celebration. In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a proclamation recognizing “Hispanic Heritage Week” to honor the contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in the U.S. This period of recognition aligned with the growing civil rights movement — an acknowledgment of visibility, inclusion, and representation.
From a Week to a Month: When the Change Happened
In 1988, under President Ronald Reagan, the observance was expanded from a week to a full month — September 15 to October 15. That expansion allowed more time for schools, community groups, and cultural organizations across the country to plan events, share stories, teach history, highlight arts, and build community.
The Growing Recognition of Hispanic Contributions
Over the decades, Hispanic Heritage Month has become more than just celebrations. It’s a time to foreground:
Artists and creators (painters, writers, filmmakers, dancers)
Scientists, educators, health professionals
Politicians, community leaders, social justice advocates
Sporting heroes, innovators, entrepreneurs
People like Frida Kahlo, Sonia Sotomayor, Dr. Antonia Novello (first Hispanic U.S. Surgeon General), Lin-Manuel Miranda, Roberto Clemente — their stories are part of a larger tapestry of contributions that often go underappreciated.
Why Hispanic Heritage Month Matters Today
Identity & Representation: For many Hispanic and Latino Americans, it’s a time of pride, remembrance, and affirmation of culture.
Education & Understanding: For everyone, it’s an opportunity to learn — perhaps something not taught in schools, or stories not often centered in mainstream narratives.
Community & Solidarity: It's a time to celebrate but also to address challenges — social, economic, legal — facing Hispanic/Latino communities.
Visibility: The more people share their stories, the more society can see the richness and diversity — not just stereotypes.
How You Can Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Here are ideas both large and small:
Attend local cultural festivals or parades.
Go to theater, film, art exhibits by Hispanic/Latino artists.
Try traditional recipes from various Latin American countries.
Support local, Hispanic-owned businesses and artisans.
Read books or listen to music from Hispanic/Latino authors, musicians.
Take advantage of educational programs at your local library or community center.
Teach kids (or yourself) about the histories, independence movements, cultural contributions.
Things to Do in the Portland / Vancouver Area
If you’re in the Oregon / SW Washington area, there are several events and opportunities to celebrate. Here are some things happening (or that reliably happen annually) — check dates and details because sometimes things change.
Event | What It Is / Why Go | When & Where |
A two-day event with food, music, cultural performances to celebrate Hispanic heritage; a big, community-oriented festival. | September 14 - 15
| |
A block party-style event by JUNTOSpdx: art, dance, music, food, lowrider car show, arts & crafts for kids. Great for families. | 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21
| |
Organized by the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber — dinner, live auction, honoring local Latino leaders. Great if you want a formal evening event. | September 12
Hyatt Regency Portland
| |
A showcase of Latin American films — features, shorts, documentaries — a rich way to engage culturally and visually. | September 24 - November 12th
| |
Free public events (for all ages) through the library system: workshops, story times, readings, etc. | ||
Reading lists, online resources, Spanish-language materials, events for different age groups. | ||
Vancouver Ballet Folklórico performs; family-friendly, usually involves art, dance, performances. | ||
Surprising / Lesser-Known History Bits
The “week” version of Hispanic Heritage Month was created in 1968, but it didn’t become a full month until 1988.
The timing is purposefully tied to the independence days of several Latin American countries, not just Mexico. Many people assume it begins September 16 because of Mexico, but September 15 was chosen to encompass multiple countries.
Political context often shapes how the month is celebrated. In recent years, there has been increased concern in some areas about immigration enforcement and ensuring safe spaces for people to gather and celebrate. Communities have adapted in response. Willamette Week
Why It Matters to Local Communities
Local events build connection — they bring together people who may share heritage, language, or culture in meaningful ways.
Affordable access to arts and cultures that may not be represented otherwise.
Amplifying local Hispanic/Latino artists, businesses, storytelling.
Promoting cross-cultural understanding — people of different backgrounds can learn from each other.
Tips for Attending Events Responsibly & Inclusively
Check the event’s policies (if registration is required, sliding-scale tickets, sliding admission, etc.).
Be aware of accessibility — look for details on ADA accommodations, translation or interpretation services.
Support with more than presence: buy from vendors, tip performers, share events on social media.
Be respectful: learn a little beforehand (e.g. what “El Grito” signifies, regional dances, foods’ origins).
Wrap Up
Hispanic Heritage Month is more than just a festive calendar item. It’s a chance to reflect on the struggles, hopes, dreams, and achievements of millions of people; a way to keep history alive, to learn and to build community. In Portland, Vancouver, and the wider region, there’s a rich mix of events this year — whether you want to eat tasty food, listen to music, see art, participate in theater, or learn something new.
Whatever way you choose to honor the month, know that your participation helps keep these cultures vibrant, visible, and honored.
If you like, I can send you a list of all the upcoming events with links, formatted for posting (with images), or even suggest interview questions if you want to feature someone local in the piece.
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