By Shayna Mace | Photo: Mariachi Herencia de Mexico, courtesy Overture Center
National Hispanic American Heritage Month kicked off on September 15 and runs through October 15. This awareness month celebrates “the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success,” according to hispanicheritagemonth.gov.
In Madison, there are several ways you can honor the month, from reading about inspirational Hispanic and Latino leaders that are doing important work here to attending an event that commemorates the cultural impact of Hispanic and Latino people in the U.S. Read on for some ideas.
Peruse a Profile About an Inspiring Madison-Area Hispanic or Latino Woman
We’ve written about several Hispanic and Latino women over the years that are spearheading change in the nonprofit world, encouraging career success and cultivating confidence in young women.
Read more here about some of the women we’ve written about.
Watch a Colorful Performance
Celebrations are happening all over the city throughout September and October to honor Latino and Hispanic heritage. Madison College’s Office of Equity, Inclusion and Community Engagement is hosting Heritage: Celebrando Nuestra Cultura, a free event on Oct. 5 with food, performances and giveaways.
Celebrate Hispanic and Latino Artists
During the first week of October, several Overture Center events will celebrate Hispanic heritage, including live visual and musical performances. Guests can attend a show honoring Hispanic and Latino composers, listen to a Mariachi band and more.
Throughout the year, Overture Center is hosting several Hispanic artistic events beyond the month as well.
Here’s the schedule (scroll down to early October to see performance options).
Read All About It
The Madison Public Library is holding a series of events commemorating National Hispanic Heritage Month, including Spanish literature discussion groups, bilingual storytimes for kids and author events.
Get the Kids Involved
On Sept. 28, the Madison Children’s Museum is hosting a Hispanic Heritage Celebration that’s open to community from 4 to 8 p.m. — with free museum admission! Watch dance performances and listen to live music. Want to try bike blender salsa, taquitos or make a sugar skull craft? That’ll be there too.
