Latinx Heritage Month (also known as Hispanic Heritage Month) celebrates Latinx cultures from the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. In 1988, the U.S. turned the one-week celebration into a 30-day tribute to all communities. Latinx Heritage Month runs from September 15 (which is a historical day for five Latin American countries that declared their independence from Spain) through October 15. Today, it’s a way to honor, support and learn about Latinx cultures, traditions and history. So, whether you’re cooking a traditional dish or supporting a small business, here are all the ways to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month in 2022.
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How to Celebrate National Latinx Heritage Month in 2022
Published Sep 19, 2022
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1. Attend a Local Event
Events are happening all across the country to celebrate the holiday. Watch a flick at the New York Latino Film Festival in New York City, participate in a salsa-making class in Sacramento or celebrate at a cultural festival in Denver. At these gatherings, you’ll find food, music and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Check out events in your area and join in on the fun all month long.
2. Host Your Own Party
If there are no local events happening, consider hosting your own party. Latinx Heritage Month is all about celebrating with loved ones. Invite your family and friends over for a day of food, music and good company. Also, may we suggest a friendly competition of dominoes, mar y tierra or lotería (aka a spin on classic bingo)?
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3. Cook a Traditional Dish
What better way to honor your culture than by cooking a traditional meal? This is the best time to reach out to Abuela and finally learn about the secret family recipe. Or you can snag a classic recipe online like quesabrirra tacos from Mexico, congrí (aka rice and beans) from Cuba or even make homemade sazón right in your kitchen. But if cooking isn’t your forte, drop by or order from a Latinx-owned restaurant instead.
4. Make a Refreshing Drink
Some of our favorite cocktails come straight from Latin America. If you’re into piña coladas, margaritas or tequila, now’s the time to perfect your drink of choice so you can make it for the rest of the month.
5. Support Latinx-owned Businesses
There are plenty of Latinx-owned businesses out there and this month is a great time to try something new. Whether you’re looking to make a fashion statement, spruce up your home’s decor or become a plant parent, support and spend your coins on these brands.
6. Listen to Latinx Artists
It’s no surprise music is a big contributor to Latinx culture. Salsa, reggaeton, bachata and merengue are just a few of the genres that started in these communities. These classic styles continue to be a staple in homes and parties while influencing the biggest stars we know and love today. Create a playlist featuring your favorite artists and enjoy the fusion of cultures coming together. Or listen to playlists like Latinx & Proud, Latinx Heritage Month (created by ACLU) and Voces (a mix of podcasts and songs from Afro-Latinx creators) straight from any streaming service.
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7. Watch Latinx TV Shows and Movies
If you’ve been meaning to stream a new TV show (like Jane The Virgin, Gentefied and One Day at a Time), movie (like Real Women Have Curves, Coco and Roma) or docuseries (from networks like PBS), make it one that has a positive representation of the Latinx/Hispanic community. Or check out comedian John Leguizamo’s one-man Broadway show about 3,000 years of Latin history in under 90 minutes. The content out there is endless (and so are the snacks).
8. Participate in a Dance Class
Take a beginner’s class and learn the steps of traditional Latinx dance. And if a class isn’t in your reach, learn how to salsa, bachata or tango with videos at home. It’s not about becoming a professional ballroom dancer (although you can definitely try), but just having fun and trying something new. Soon enough, you’ll be showing off your dance skills at your cousin's wedding.
9. Check Out a Latinx Podcast
Once you've finished your watchlist (and sung your heart out to Juan Gabriel), browse through a catalog of Latinx podcasts. You’ll find a variety of topics centered around race, identity, culture and everything in-between. Check out PureWow’s Por La Cultura, plus Latinos USA, Espooky Tales, Latinos Out Loud, Latina to Latina and Super Mamás.
10. Visit an Exhibit or Museum Dedicated to Latinx Culture
Immerse yourself in Latinx art and culture at your local museum. If you’re lucky enough to live near museums like El Museo del Barrio (NYC), Museum of Latin America Art (Long Beach, CA), DePaul Art Museum (Chicago, IL), Mexi-Arte Museum (Austin, TX), La Plaza de Cultura y Artes (Los Angeles, CA), Sea Mar Museum (Seattle, WA) and National Hispanic Cultural Center (Albuquerque, NM), now is your chance to check them out. There are also virtual exhibits like ¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States and a host of collections to view without leaving your couch.
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11. Read Books Written By Latinx Authors
Reading is always fundamental—whether you’re looking for a history lesson or want to dive into a fantasy world. Read books from celebrated authors like Gabriel García Márquez and Sandra Cisneros, or learn about a new author in the literary world, like Elizabeth Acevedo, Sonora Reyes and Erika L. Sánchez. And if you can, try to pick up a copy at a local Latinx-owned bookstore (or support them directly online).
12. Explore a Latin American Country (from the Comfort of Home)
While we're all for booking the next flight to la isla, there are plenty of ways to travel the world right at home. Visit the Museo de Arte de São Paulo in Brazil, "swim" with the sharks in Gardens of the Queen, Cuba or travel up the ancient Mayan structures. There's even a chance to join a virtual travel club to countries like Chile, Costa Rica and Argentina. It's a great opportunity to explore your own and others' cultures throughout the month.
13. Learn More About Your Culture
Latinx Heritage Month is a great start to learning more about your culture. Spend time exploring your family tree through stories told by your elders or do your own research. There are so many ways in the next four weeks (and beyond) to learn about your history, traditions and culture. It's also an opportunity to teach yourself and others about current issues and trends happening within the Latinx community.
14. Donate to Organizations and Charities
Spend the day helping Latinx communities. Whether it’s donating, protesting or raising awareness, familiarize yourself with organizations and charities focusing on Latinx rights. Learn more about nonprofits like Hispanic Heritage Foundation, United We Dream, Unidos US and RAICES which are fighting racism, discrimination and xenophobia. Use your voice to amplify Latinx creators, activists and programs striving to keep Latinx issues and projects at the forefront. We recommend checking out Ain’t I Latina?, We All Grow Latina and The Latinx House to get you started.
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