Our culture lives in songs we recognize from their opening notes, recipes passed down through generations, and stories our grandparents share around the table.
Hispanic Heritage Month, observed in the United States from September 15 to October 15, recognizes the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America. There is still time to participate. These exhibits, videos, stories and learning materials are free to explore online.
Why does it begin on September 15?
The date marks the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates on September 16 and Chile on September 18. The U.S. observance began as a week in 1968 and expanded to a month in 1988.
Learn about the origins of Hispanic Heritage Month →
1. Explore the history of salsa with ¡Puro Ritmo!
For many families, salsa accompanies birthdays, gatherings and memories. It also offers a way to explore history. The Smithsonian exhibition ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa explores its Afro-Cuban roots and connections to migration, identity and innovation. You can explore its content online.
Explore ¡Puro Ritmo! and the journey of salsa →
Try this together: choose a song and ask a relative what memories it brings back. A conversation about music can become a story about childhood, their home country or arriving in the United States.
2. Visit exhibits and collections from home
Start a cultural visit from your phone or computer. The official directory links to art, history, traditions and Hispanic and Latino experiences, including photography, architecture, food and celebrations.
Browse exhibits and collections →
The Smithsonian also offers virtual exhibits, bilingual materials and stories of Latino achievements.
Explore Smithsonian learning resources →
Try this together: have everyone choose an artwork, photograph or story and explain what caught their attention.
3. Listen to music and watch videos about traditions
The official audio and video selection brings together interviews, musical performances and conversations about history and culture. It includes Changüí Majadero, Afro-Colombian music from Grupo Rebolú, and content about Puerto Rican traditions, cooking and other cultural expressions.
Explore videos and musical performances →
Try this together: listen to music from another Latin American country. Which instruments do you recognize? How does it compare with the music you grew up with?
4. Hear real stories from Latino families
History lives in everyday experiences, too: a mother remembering childhood, a family starting over, or someone recalling a grandparent's love. StoryCorps Historias collects Latino experiences in the United States. Recordings are preserved in archives, including the Library of Congress's American Folklife Center.
Listen to StoryCorps Historias →
Then start a conversation in your own family:
- What was the place where you grew up like?
- Which tradition would you like your grandchildren to keep?
- Which song reminds you of your family?
- Which recipe did you learn from your parents or grandparents?
With everyone's agreement, recording the conversation can preserve a valuable memory.
5. Find learning materials for children
The official educator page brings together activities and materials from the Library of Congress, National Archives and Smithsonian. It includes Spanish document-analysis worksheets and links for learning about art and history.
Browse educational materials and activities →
Try this together: make a family map. Mark the countries or cities your relatives come from and add a food, word or tradition associated with each place.
6. Find an event in person
Check the official 2026 calendar and the schedules of your public library, local museums and city cultural department. Search for “Hispanic Heritage Month 2026” alongside your city name.
See the official 2026 events calendar →
One announced event is the Latino Heritage Festival, exploring quinceañeras and coming-of-age traditions, scheduled for October 11, 2026, at Glen Echo Park in Maryland.
Confirm the date, cost, hours and reservation requirements. The digital materials in this guide are free to explore; conditions for in-person events vary by organizer. Some content is in English and other resources offer Spanish options.
Celebrate your own story, too
Start with something simple today: listen to a song with your children, prepare a family recipe, explore a virtual exhibition or call a grandparent to ask about childhood. Our heritage includes many voices, countries and experiences. Sharing them helps younger generations understand where they come from.
Which song, food or tradition represents your Hispanic heritage? Share this guide with someone who wants to explore our culture, or tell us which cultural topic you would like Trámites123 to cover.