8 ways to celebrate 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month in Vegas

Here are eight purposeful ways to pay tribute to the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic Americans in Nevada during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Nevada has welcomed Hispanic and Latin Americans since its Old West origins. Today, there are 890,257 Hispanic people living in Nevada, 213,828 of whom live in Las Vegas. So, it’s no surprise that Las Vegas is going all out with events and activities for Hispanic Heritage Month.

The country marks this month-long celebration of Latin and Hispanic American culture and history from September 15 to October 15, but Sin City has activities planned well into the new year. 

Here are eight purposeful ways to pay tribute to the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic Americans in Nevada.

1. Go to a cultural celebration

Cultural festivals will take place across the Las Vegas Valley during Hispanic Heritage Month. With authentic food and drinks, music, crafts, and kids’ activities, these are a great free way to celebrate with the whole family.

El Grito: Celebrating the Independence of Mexico

When: Sept. 14, noon-4 p.m.
Where: East Las Vegas Community Center

Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month at this free community resource fair for all ages. Festivities include live entertainment, children’s activities, and light refreshments.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

When: Sept. 15, 1-9 p.m. 
Where: Craig Ranch Regional Park Amphitheater

Enjoy a whole day of food, entertainment, and more, including the Commemoration of El Grito de Dolores.

Latin American Countries’ Independence Celebration

When: Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: East Las Vegas Community Center

Free and family-friendly, this event honors all the Central American countries celebrating their independence with live entertainment and traditional food (for purchase).

Dia De Los Muertos Festival

When: Saturday, November 2, 3-9 p.m.
Where: Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza, Lorenzi Park, 720 Twin Lakes Drive

Enjoy festivities, entertainment, and cultural displays to celebrate the Day of the Dead.

Tamales and Mariachi Festival

When: Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St.

Hispanic Heritage Month festivals culminate in December with tamales, mariachi music, Folklorico performances, and more.

2. Listen to traditional music

Mariachi bands and other bilingual music performances will demonstrate the rich tapestry of Latin American music.

Patria Mexicana: Voces de Unión y Libertad

When: Friday, Sept. 13, 5 p.m.
Where: West Las Vegas Arts Center Amphitheatre

Mark Mexico’s independence with a free celebration of traditional mariachi music. There will be performances by the West Las Vegas Arts Center’s student ensemble, Mariachi Nueva Promesa of Mariachi Conservatory of Las Vegas, Mariachi Alma del Sol, Mariachi Amanecer of Sunrise High School, and more.

Concert in the Park: Nathan Brian Wine and the Las Vegas Jazz Ensemble

When: Sept. 13, 7 p.m.
Where: Centennial Hills Park Amphitheatre

International cross-over singer Nathan Brian Wine and his 22-member Las Vegas Jazz Ensemble orchestra will perform a bilingual concert under the stars that’s fun for the whole family.

3. Read books written by Latino authors

Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to head to your neighborhood library or bookstore and learn more about Latino authors and their vast literary contributions. 

Perfect for all ages, this year’s Las Vegas Book Festival takes place on October 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St. It will include a bilingual discussion with the writing group Autoras de Vanguardia and an Aztec calendar coloring book workshop in English, Spanish, and Nahuatl.

4. Watch Latin American dancers (or hit the dance floor yourself!)

From salsa, mambo and merengue to rumba, bachata, bomba and plena, dancing is in the blood of Latin Americans. Adults can spend a night on the dance floor at a Latin nightclub like  La Diabla or a dance school like Latin Blendz Dance Studio. 

The whole family can enjoy a performance of Capoeira — a centuries-old Afro-Brazilian art that combines acrobatic dance, self-defense, and eco-spiritual culture — during Earth Beats: Capoeira Nights. Presented by artist Gustavo Caldas, it will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at Stewart Place Park, 4700 Chantilly Ave.

5. Absorb Latin culture at a museum or art exhibit

From arts and crafts to fine art, there’s no better way to embrace Latin culture and heritage than an exhibit or museum.

Hispanic Heritage Month for Kids

When: Sept. 14 and 15
Where: Discovery Children’s Museum

The museum will feature programming celebrating Hispanic culture for kids of all ages. In addition to a Mexican Independence Day celebration commemorating the Grito ceremony, the kick-off will include a musical performance by Mariachi Esperanza, folkloric dance performances, science experiments, and traditional Mexican arts and craft projects,

Sugar Skull Workshop

When: Oct. 26, 1-3 p.m.
Where: Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St.

Decorate your own sugar skull while learning about Dia de los Muertos customs.

Hispanic Heritage Art Exhibition

Date: Sept. 15-Oct. 19
Where: The Las Vegas Natural History Museum, 900 Las Vegas Blvd N.

Teaching artist Vanessa Maciel and the Nevada Arts Council have curated an exhibit of visual art and poetry from local Latino artists. The exhibit is included with general admission to the museum.

Mexican Mythologies: Past and Present Exhibition

Dates: Nov. 7–Jan. 16, 2025
Where: Historic Fifth Street School Mayor’s Gallery, 401 S. Fourth St.

Ancient and contemporary Mexican cultural mythologies are explored in this exhibition.

6. Celebrate Latin leaders

Is there a local Latin leader who deserves recognition? The City of Las Vegas wants to honor Hispanic and Latin community leaders and trailblazers with outstanding civic accomplishments and contributions to the community. 

Nominations will be accepted through Sept. 30. For details, visit www.lasvegasnevada.gov/HONOR.

7. Support Latin-owned businesses

Business is booming for Latinos and Latinas in Southern Nevada, with Hispanic Americans owning nearly 20 percent of the state’s businesses. 

In Las Vegas, Hispanic-owned small businesses come in all shapes and sizes from restaurants to skate shops. Some, like La Bonita supermarkets, are devoted to Latin culture while others like coffee shop Mothership Coffee are more mainstream. Supporting these businesses is good for the entire community.

8. Savor Latin flavors

Latin America is a gastronomic mecca with varied culinary styles, practices, and traditions. This diversity is reflected in eateries throughout Las Vegas. 

For Hispanic Heritage Month, sit down for a meal at one of the valley’s many Mexican restaurants, like the iconic Doña María Tamales in downtown Las Vegas. Or check out Charlie’s Chamangos and Empanadas 702 during Food Truck Thursdays, Sept. 12 and. 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Municipal Court in downtown Las Vegas, 100 E. Clark Ave.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.