8 Local Events Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Film
Every year from Sept. 15-Oct.15, we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s our annual opportunity to recognize, celebrate and honor the significant ways that Hispanic/Latine people have played a role shaping the American landscape.
Hispanic and Latine Americans have been an integral part of our shared history – from military and political leaders and public servants, to great artists, musicians and athletes, to scholars and industry leaders, and every role in between. In the next 30 days we honor Hispanic/Latine Americans across the country, including the incredible Latine community right here in the city of Milwaukee.
8 Ways to Celebrate
1. Hispanic Heritage Month Film Screenings
ALL MONTH LONG | ORIENTAL THEATER
The Latine-made films In the Summers, Borderland and Hail to the Breadsticks will play throughout all of Hispanic Heritage Month at the Oriental Theater. Additionally, the 8th annual Femme Frontera Filmmaker Showcase will take place this month, celebrating films made by women in the U.S.-Mexico border region as well as global stories about immigrants, people of color and the LGBTQ+ community.
2. Hispanic Heritage Month Kick Off
SEPT. 13 FROM 4 – 8 P.M. | DEER DISTRICT
Hispanic Heritage Month is kicking off with a free fiesta in Milwaukee’s Deer District. There will be plenty of food trucks, vendors, live performances, mariachi bands and a life size game of loteria. At the start of the event, there will also be an Official City Proclamation that will be honoring the city’s Latino Veterans and naming the Latino Veteran of the Year.
3. hisPANIC at the WISCO
SEPT. 20 | INTERCHANGE THEATER
Several of Milwaukee’s Hispanic/Latine comedians are hitting the stage on the 20th. The night of comedy will include both stand-up and improv performances.
4. Drop-In Tour Celebrating National Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month
SEPT. 21 AT 2 P.M. | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
Explore Milwaukee Art Museum’s collection of works by Hispanic and Latine artists across the world. The docent-led tour is free with the price of admission, and free for members.
Why is it in the middle of the month?
Hispanic Heritage Month is unique in that it’s celebrated in the second half of one month, and the first half of the next.
In 1968 Lyndon B. Johnson designated the week of September 15th as “National Hispanic Heritage Week,” where he spoke of the “great contribution to our national heritage made by our people of Hispanic descent – not only in the fields of culture, business and science, but also through their valor in battle.” 20 years later, Ronald Regan lengthened it to a month-long observance.
The timing is aligned with several international celebrations. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua all celebrate their independence on Sept. 15. For Mexico, it’s Sept. 16 and Chile on Sept. 18. In addition, Mexico’s Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on Oct. 12.
5. Hispanic Heritage Day at the Brewers
SEPT. 22 AT 1 P.M. | AMERICAN FAMILY FIELD
According to the MLB, baseball is among the most diverse professional sports. There are nearly 300 Latine/Hispanic professional baseball players in the MLB – just over 30% of total players. The Brewers are celebrating with a special Hispanic Heritage Day outing. With the purchase of a Community Day ticket, visitors will receive a special Hispanic Heritage Month Brewers t-shirt, enjoy performances by salsa bands and dancers, participate in an interactive cork map to honor your lineage and more.
6. Mi Gente Mercado: Hispanic Heritage Month Pop-Up Market
SEPT. 28 FROM NOON-5 P.M. | TRIPLE TAPROOM & KITCHEN
Triple Taproom & Kitchen (formerly Hacienda Taproom & Kitchen) is hosting Mi Gente Mercado, a shopping pop-up featuring several of Milwaukee’s many Hispanic/Latine makers and small businesses. Come on down to shop, and make sure to grab a bite and a brew. A portion of that day’s sales will be donated to the Latino Entrepreneurial Network of Southeastern Wisconsin.
7. Hojalata-Inspired Sculpture Class
SEPT. 30 AT 6 P.M. | ZABLOCKI BRANCH OF MILWAUKEE PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Hojalata is a Mexican art form where intricate patterns and designs are cut, punched or scored into tin and often colored. The practice began over half a millennium ago and still remains a popular form of folk art in Mexico and the United States. You can make your own hojalata during MPL’s Craft Adult Class on Sept. 30. All supplies are included, and the class will start with a brief presentation on its history and traditions. Registration is required.
8. Reel to Real Conversations
OCT. 3 AT 5 P.M. | MITCHELL STREET ARTS
Culture X Design’s Reel to Real events are all about fostering conversation. In this collaboration with Mitchell Street Arts, participants will enjoy a short film that explores the variety of lived experiences from different Hispanic/Latine cultures. After the film ends, participants are encouraged to stay and participate in group discussion about the film and their own experiences, to foster a “shared sense of belonging among diverse perspectives.”
