Hispanic Heritage Month (also known as Latine Heritage Month) runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. Originally created as a commemorative week in 1968 and expanded to a month in 1988, the month coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of eight countries, including Mexico, Brazil, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, and more.
It’s important to celebrate the contributions of America’s Latino and Hispanic communities every year. But the celebrations seem more crucial than ever this year, when those communities are under threat by the federal government’s mass deportation efforts, and the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that ICE agents in California can use race as a factor to stop and detain people.
Here are several ways you can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Madison.
DreamBank Hispanic Heritage Month Event (Sept. 25)
American Family Insurance’s DreamBank will host a talk by Erika Cruz, founder of the Courage Driven Latina, called “Unlocking Your Purpose and Potential.” The talk takes place Sept. 25 and is free, but advance registration is required.
Xicana refers to women of Mexican descent living in the United States, and this special free virtual event sponsored by the Wisconsin Book Festival features eight Xicana writers reading from and discussing their work.
La Movida Hispanic Heritage Luncheon (Oct. 2)
Madison’s Spanish-language radio station will host its annual luncheon at Monona Terrace. In addition to food, socializing, and an awards ceremony, the luncheon features keynote speaker Shiva Bidar, co-chair of the Latino Health Council of Dane County and Chief Social Impact Officer of UW Health.
“Machuca” Screening (Oct. 3)
Lakeview Library will host a free screening of the 2004 film “Machuca,” which looks at how the friendship of two Chilean boys from different social classes is tested by the growing civil unrest in their country in 1973.
Centro Hispano Celebration Gala (Oct. 4)
Called “La Magia del Pueblo” (The Magic of Our Community), Centro’s annual fundraiser will feature live music and dancing, storytelling, an auction, food and drink, and more. With the “Magia” theme, attendees are encouraged to wear sparkles, vibrant colors or other fashion that celebrates their “magic.”
Madison Children’s Museum (Oct. 6)
Thursday nights are free at the children’s museum, and they have a special Hispanic Heritage Month edition planned for Oct. 6. Enjoy music, food, arts activities and more.
Hispanic Flamenco Ballet (Oct. 10)
The Barrymore Theatre is presenting a special free morning of cultural performances aimed at students, although it’s free and open to the public. Hispania America Show will take a tour of dance cultures, from Brazil’s tango to Cuba’s cha cha. Then, the Spanish Heritage Show will showcase the dance styles of Spain.
