Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the DMV

¡Saludos! The month celebrating the experiences, cultures, and contributions of the Latina/e/o/x and Hispanic communities in the U.S. began Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15.

Why does this heritage month start in the middle of September? It marks a significant period in the region’s liberation from its European colonizers. Costa Rica, El Salvador (¡mi gente!), Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua declared independence on Sept. 15, 1821. Mexico celebrates independence on Sept. 16, Chile on Sept. 18, and Belize on Sept. 21.

Here are some ways you can celebrate this month:

🎉 What To Attend:

• Fiesta DC on Sept. 23 and 24. The District’s hallmark annual event takes place on Pennsylvania Avenue and features a parade, food vendors, a beauty pageant, and live music, including a musical performance by (Selena’s brother!) A.B. Quintanilla III of the Cumbia Kings.
• Latinx Queerciañera on Oct. 10. This party and panel discussion at El Rey DC explores the experiences of people growing up LGBTQ+.

🥑 What To Eat:

• Sabores Latinos on Sept. 20. This six-course dinner at Inca Social in Arlington will have your taste buds traveling through the delicious flavors of the region.
• Pupusas y Ron on Sept. 21. Head to El Tamarindo in Adams Morgan (a friend of City Cast DC) for a pupusa-making class and rum tasting.

🛍️ Where To Shop:

• La Cosecha Market. This contemporary marketplace near Union Market features merchants from across the diaspora.
• Grand Cata. Discover Latin American wines at their stores in Shaw, La Cosecha Market, and the Mosaic District in Fairfax.

➕ Check out this list of more events around the DMV.