Culture, Community, and Contributions
From September 15th to October 15th, communities across the United States recognize the histories, cultures, and contributions of people with roots in Latin America, Spain, and the Caribbean. At WPI, Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month is an opportunity to learn from the many experiences that shape our campus and to recognize the ways Hispanic and Latine students, faculty, staff, researchers, artists, and community members contribute to science, technology, education, culture, and public life. The national observance is officially known as National Hispanic Heritage Month, while many campuses and communities also use terms such as Latino/a/e/x to reflect the language and identities of the people they serve.
How it is celebrated
The month is celebrated in many ways, and there is no single tradition that represents every Latine community. Schools, museums, cities, and community organizations may host cultural festivals, music and dance performances, art exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, storytelling programs, food events, and conversations about history and identity. Families and student groups may also use the month to share traditions, highlight local leaders, support Latine owned organizations, learn about different countries and regions, and make space for voices that are not always centered in everyday conversations.
Where it is being celebrated in the United States in 2026
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Boston, Massachusetts: The City of Boston begins the observance on September 15. A Mexican Flag Raising and Cultural Event is scheduled at Boston City Hall, and the city recognizes Latinx Heritage Month through October 15.
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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Mill Café: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Cafe with Venezuelan food, drink, and music, while hearing from nonprofits serving Latinos. Friday, 9/18 at 4:30pm at the Mill Café in Arlington, MA.
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CineFest Boston Latino 2026 Season Kick-off!: Welcome to CineFest Latino Boston FREE Community Screening! Join us for a night of Latinx short films at ZUMIX. Thursday, 9/24 at 7pm.
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Latinx Civil Wars Discussion (Worcester): Attend a lecture by Jesse Alemán at the American Antiquarian Society on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, focusing Mexican American perspectives during the Civil War
Why September 15 to October 15?
The dates connect the national observance with important independence anniversaries in Latin America. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua commemorate independence on September 15. Mexico marks its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18. The timing makes the month a useful point for learning about the different national histories that exist within the wider Hispanic and Latine experience.
A brief history of the observance
The United States first established Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. Twenty years later, Congress expanded the observance to a 31 day period beginning on September 15 and ending on October 15. The first presidential proclamation for National Hispanic Heritage Month was issued in 1989. Today the month is observed across schools, universities, museums, government agencies, workplaces, and local communities.
Ideas for taking part
Try attending a campus or community event, reading work by a Latine author, learning about a scientist or engineer whose work is new to you, visiting a museum collection, listening to music from a country you have not explored before, or having a conversation with someone about the traditions that matter to them. Participation does not have to be complicated. Curiosity, respect, and a willingness to listen are a meaningful place to start.
Explore more
The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees student-facing learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.
