¡Saludos! The month celebrating the experiences, cultures, and contributions of Latina/e/o/x and Hispanic communities in the U.S. begins Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15. Hispanic Heritage Month was nationally recognized in 1988. Almost 100,000 Hispanic folks live in Davidson County, and it’s a great time to honor their history and support their businesses.
Why does this heritage month start in the middle of September? It marks a significant period in the region’s liberation from its colonizers. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua declared independence from Spain on Sept. 15, 1821. Mexico celebrates independence on Sept. 16 and Chile on Sept. 18. Belize declared independence from the United Kingdom on Sept. 21, 1981.
Here are some ways you can celebrate this month in Nashville:
Plaza Mariachi has free events every day of the week that center Hispanic culture, from salsa nights to lotería to live music and so much more.
🎵 Listen to the Music
Lucía performs at Vanderbilt’s Ingram Hall on Sept. 18; Rudy’s Jazz Room hosts performances by Hispanic musicians all month long; and Silvana Estrada takes the stage at City Winery on Oct. 13.
💃 The Latin Party (Sept. 18)
Dance the night away with Conexión Américas at the Nashville Farmers’ Market with salsa classes, cocktails, and Latin street food.
⚽ Nashville SC’s Hispanic Heritage Night (Sept. 19)
Nashville SC faces off with Chicago Fire FC at GEODIS Park. Enter to win a bucket hat from Heineken, and cheer on our boys in yellow.
🎡 El Jefé Festival Hispano (Sept. 20)
The Nashville Fair closes with El Jefé Day in the Fairgrounds’ courtyard. The family-friendly celebration will include live music, dancing, food, face painting, animals, and much more.
🛍️ Hispanic Heritage Market (Sept. 20)
Shop at White Limozeen’s market showcasing local Hispanic artisans and vendors, with DJ Pablito providing the music.
🦒 Hispanic Heritage Festival (Sept. 26)
Every year, the Nashville Zoo partners with Conexión Américas for a super fun day of events. This year’s lineup includes numerous folk dancers, live music, pan dulce samples, and a special concessions menu featuring Hispanic foods.
🎥 Monday Movie Nights: “Selena” (Sept. 28)
Head to the Skydeck at the Assembly Food Hall for a cozy rooftop movie night. Make sure to bring some tissues. I’m not the only one who cries when they watch this, right?
🎉 Celebrate Nashville (Oct. 3)
Celebrate Nashville’s diverse communities at this free annual event in Centennial Park, featuring shopping, live music, dancing, food, and family-friendly activities.
