¡Saludos! The month celebrating the experiences, cultures, and contributions of Latina/e/o/x and Hispanic communities in the U.S. began Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15. Hispanic Heritage Month was nationally recognized in 1988.
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 (¡mi gente!), 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.
To honor the month and support the community, here’s where to celebrate, dine, and shop around Salt Lake:
🎉 What to attend:
Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28
- On Friday, enjoy the sounds of Latin America and Spain at Celebración Sinfónica at Abravanel Hall. On Saturday, head to the plaza for food vendors, artisan crafts, and dancers before the show. $5-$20
Saturday, Sept. 28
- This 2.3 mile hike to Lake Mary ends with a carne asada in the great outdoors. Free to register.
- Bring las niñas y los niños to the Hispanic Heritage Month Hunt at the Provo Library. Free.
Sunday, Sept. 29
- Learn traditional crafts from Oaxaca, Mexico, like piñatas and alebrijes, at the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum. $12.50-$13.50
- Support local vendors at La Buena Vida Market at Ogden Amphitheater. Free entry.
Wednesday, Oct. 2
- If you’re a fútbol fan, head over to America First Field to watch Real Salt Lake take on Minnesota United FC. $12-$222.
Saturday, Oct. 5
- Hit the Folsom Trail for Hispanic Folsom Fiesta 2024 with special performances, activities for all ages, and delicious food. Free entry.
Saturday, Oct. 12
- Experience art and poetry at Artes de México en Utah’s 12th Annual Sor Juana LatinArte Celebration. Free.
🥑 Where to eat:
- La Oaxaqueña, South Salt Lake
- Victor’s Restaurant, South 700 West
- La Casa Del Tamal, South 5600 West
- Casa Peru, West Valley City
- Arempas, South State Street
- Prime Corn, West 800 South
- Tacos Don Rafa, State Street
- El Jaripeo, Smith’s parking lot in Rose Park
🛍️ Where to shop:
- Custom cakes & treats: Panadería Flores, Cakes by Edith, Fillings and Emulsions
- Hair & nails: Shades Hair & Co., Belinda Nails, Salt Lake Barber Co.
- Salsas: Salsitas Mendoza, Salsa Queen
- Art: Bianca Velasquez, Lilian Agar, Material Contemporary, Proyecciones spanish-language acting school
Plus, listen to City Cast Salt Lake discuss assimilation in language and owning your Latinidad.
