Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States began in 1968 as a one-week commemoration. It was proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson to recognize the Hispanic community’s contributions to American cultural, social and economic life. Twenty years later, Congress expanded it to a full month during Ronald Reagan’s presidency, running from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to coincide with several Latin American countries’s independance dates.
Here are some ways to celebrate around the Tampa Bay area.
Hispanic Heritage Small Business Conference
8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 18. SPC Epicenter, 13805 58th St. N., Clearwater. Gain insights on mental wellness, succession planning, AI for business growth, cybersecurity, financial resilience, and the power of community. Plus, connect with experts, funders, and fellow entrepreneurs who share your passion. Free. https://web.clearwaterflorida.org/atlas/events/9808/details
Música, Sound, Espacios: A Latin American and Spanish Film Series
5:30-8 p.m. Sept. 18. Marshall Student Center at USF, 4103 USF Cedar Circle, Tampa. The film series includes introductions from faculty and guest scholars, a Q&A with a filmmaker, and space for USF students and Tampa Bay community members to discuss music and sound in film. For guests without a USF permit, complimentary reserved event parking spots will be in Lot 3A located off USF Holly Drive. If the event spaces are full, there are hourly pay station spaces available near the Marshall Student Center. https://tinyurl.com/2dvkj9w3
Hispanic Outreach Center Annual Gala
5:30-9 p.m. Sept. 19. Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. A powerful evening dedicated to celebrating culture, honoring our community, and raising funds to support vital programs and student scholarships through our Center. https://tinyurl.com/4bbe84zw
Destination: Spain! A Food & Wine Experience
6-8 p.m. Sept. 19. Italian Club of Tampa, 1731 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa. Prepare to be immersed in the delicious flavors of Spain. This social event will offer attendees the opportunity to sample over 50 different wines from Spain and Portugal, with the beautiful sounds of Espana filling the room from special surprise entertainment. $65. https://tinyurl.com/4n9cv7yu
Hispanic Star Tampa Hub Ybor Historic and Gastronomy tour
1:30-4:30 p.m. Sept. 20. Ybor City Museum State Park, 1818 E. Ninth Ave., Tampa. Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Ybor City with knowledgeable guides. Taste delicious Hispanic cuisine and immerse yourself in the flavors of the region. $30. https://tinyurl.com/mvm9udu9
Heritage and Traditions Through Latin American Youth in Tampa Bay
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 21. Centennial Park, 1800 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa. Join in a day filled with music, dance, art, and delicious food that showcase the diversity and beauty of Hispanic culture. This is a free, family-friendly, and vibrant celebration where the new generation proudly represents their countries through cultural fashion shows, traditional dances, art, music, and entrepreneurship. https://tinyurl.com/yc8h9vpx
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sept. 25. The Regent, 6437 Watson Road, Riverview. The celebration includes music, dancing, fashion, art, entertainment, and Latin food. The event encourages older adults of all cultures to relish the vibrant Hispanic culture.
Tasco Hispanic Heritage Festival
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 27. Gladden Park Recreation Center, 3901 30th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Fun for youth ages 11-14, admission includes games and lunch. https://tinyurl.com/yaukbntn
Science of the Cuban Sandwich
6–9 p.m. Sept. 27. MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. This adults-only evening is back by popular demand with fresh features that bring the fun and the flavor like never before. Guests can sample creative twists on the Cuban sandwich crafted by chefs from across Tampa Bay, uncover the science behind each flavor, and enjoy live entertainment while celebrating science, food, and culture in a whole new way. $75-$100. https://mosi.org/event/socs
37th Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration
11 a.m. Oct. 14. Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa. Come and join guest speaker Tony Selvaggio (CEO and founder of eSmart Recycling) and emcee Sarykarmen Rivera for a celebration to remember. The first 200 guests will receive a free lunch. https://tinyurl.com/mvh5cpaz
Investment in Education
4 p.m. Oct. 15. Citi Tampa Campus, 3800 Citibank Center, Tampa. Come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Prospanica at Citibank and learn from an educational discussion with USF and Citibank speakers. Register for a seat at https://tinyurl.com/3bsexdxh
37th Annual Tampa Hispanic Heritage Inc. Gala
6-10 p.m. Oct. 25. Hilton Tampa Downtown, 114 N. Franklin St., Tampa. Tampa Hispanic Heritage Inc. will honor Julianne and Martín Gramática for their outstanding contributions to our community. The Gala is one of Tampa Hispanic Heritage Inc.’s signature events, celebrating the region’s rich Hispanic heritage while raising funds for higher education scholarships for deserving Hispanic students. bit.ly/4oyKScj
Taste of Latino Latin Food, Wine, Art & Music Festival
12-6 p.m. Oct. 26. Centennial Park, 1800 Eighth Ave., Tampa. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy great food, great cultural vendors, live music and dance performances. www.tasteoflatino.com
Baile de los Muertos w/LASA & RELPro
6-9 p.m. Oct. 29. University of South Florida St. Petersburg Campus, 140 Seventh Ave. S. Come dressed in your best Halloween costume and get ready to dance, there will be a costume contest with a prize for the best one. The evening will start with a dance class at 6 p.m., followed by food, music, and dancing. This is a community and student event. Free, but a $5 to $10 donation will help organizers cover event expenses. https://tinyurl.com/2s49ed8h
