During National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15, America celebrates the culture and traditions of Spanish speaking residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
Hispanic Heritage Month Events.
- Dance and Music Program at the National Museum of the American Indian - Sept. 16 and 17, 2017. “Uk’u’x Ulew: Heart of the Earth,” an original Mayan contemporary performance showcasing the xajoj q’ojom (Kaqchikel “music/dance”) of Grupo Sotz’il, a world-renowned Kaqchikel Maya ensemble from Guatemala. The program will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Potomac Atrium, with the performances happening twice daily, at noon and 3 p.m. The 60-minute performances are appropriate for all ages.
- Family Day Festival at the National Portrait Gallery - Sept. 30, 2017. Featuring live music, curator talks and art activities, Family Day welcomes visitors of all ages. Participants will have the opportunity to join Taína Caragol for a special Spanish-language tour of “The Face of Battle: Americans at War, 9/11 to Now.” Caragol, a co-curator of the special exhibition, is the museum’s Curator of Painting and Sculpture and Latino Art and History.
- Hispanic Heritage Family Day: Innovators in Aviation and Space at the National Air and Space Museum - Oct. 14, 2017, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Visitors will learn about the contributions of Latin Americans to aviation and space exploration, meet Hispanic scientists and engineers, and participate in bilingual activities.
- Hispanic Heritage Month at the National Gallery of Art - September 15 - October 15, 2017. The Gallery presents a wide array of offerings honoring this rich and diverse cultural legacy. The Gallery regularly offers Spanish-language guided tours, audio guides, and printed guides to the art collection.
- Hispanic Heritage Month at the Library of Congress - September 15 - October 15, 2017. The Library will celebrate with a series of events, tours and gallery talks. The programs are being hosted by various divisions throughout the Library. All events are free, but tickets are required for some, and there may be special restrictions.
- Prince George's County Hispanic Festival- September 17, 2017, noon – 6 p.m. Lane Manor Park, Adelphi, MD. The event highlights Hispanic culture with carnival games, arts and crafts, live music, face painting, pony rides, and ethnic food.
- AFI Latin American Film Festival - September 15 -October 15, 2017. AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, 8633 Colesville Road. Silver Spring, MD. The Festival showcases the best filmmaking from Latin America and celebrates Ibero-American cultural connections through the inclusion of films from Spain and Portugal.
- Latino Festival - Fiestia DC - September 16-17, 2017. The annual event in Downtown Washington, DC includes a parade, a children’s festival, a science fair, arts & crafts, international cuisine and much more.
- Zoo Fiesta at the National Zoo - September 24, 2017, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with animal demonstrations, Hispanic and Latino music, costumed dancers, traditional crafts, and Latin American foods.
Hispanic Related Monuments and Memorials in Washington, DC
Many Hispanics have made important contributions to America. National Hispanic Heritage Month is a good time to visit these monuments and learn more about these historic figures.
- José Artigas - 18th and Constitution Ave., NW
- Simon Bolivar - 18th Street at C street and Virginia NW
- Admiral David G. Farragut - Farragut Square, 17th & K Sts. NW
- Bernardo de Gálvez - Virginia Ave. and C Streets. NW
- Benito Pablo Juarez - Virginia Ave. and New Hampshire Ave., NW
- General Jose de San Martin - Virginia Ave. and 20th Street, NW
- United Spanish War Veterans Memorial - Memorial Avenue, west of Arlington Memorial Bridge.