As summer fades to fall, National Hispanic Heritage Month arrives with plenty of opportunities to celebrate and pay respect to Latino culture in the Oklahoma City metro. Oklahoma City is home to a vibrant Hispanic community and hosts several festivals to honor National Hispanic Heritage Month, which officially begins Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 15.
The month-long celebration recognizes the historical and cultural impact of the American Latino community. The first day of National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15) coincides with the Independence Day of all Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, while Mexico observes its Independence Day on Sept. 16 and Chile on Sept. 18.
On top of visiting the plethora of Latino-owned restaurants that call Oklahoma City home, here are five things you can do to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Fiestas de las Americas
A staple of National Hispanic Heritage Month and can’t-miss event since 2006, the 18th annual Fiestas de las Americas returns to Calle Dos Cinco in Historic Capitol Hill from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 28. This year's theme is "Selena- 'Como la Flor.'" The event will kick off with the Parade of the Americas and offers a full day of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, art and pop-up markets.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Looking for a more hands-on experience? Stop by America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture any time between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the month to visit their Code of the West Activity Table. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, guests can create their own paper sombrero and take in the stunning exhibits that honor the original cowboys — vaqueros.
OKC Baseball Club | Cielo Azul de Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City’s Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers will close its 2024 season with three home games between Sept. 13-15, all of which will serve as a celebration of Latino culture. Players and coaches will wear their alternate “Cielo Azul de Oklahoma City” uniforms and hats, while fans will be treated to a unique game-day experience of Latin music, decor and entertainment.
“Presente in Oklahoma!”
For an educational opportunity with local ties, the Oklahoma Historical Society Multicultural Office is hosting a luncheon panel discussion, “Presente in Oklahoma!,” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24. This event will highlight the Hispanic community's history, heritage and significant contributions to the state of Oklahoma. The luncheon will begin with a book signing by award-winning author Mariana Llanos.
Festivals
Kick off your National Hispanic Heritage Month with Festival Amistad on Saturday, Sept. 7. This year's Festival Amistad will start at 11 a.m. at N MacArthur Blvd. and NW 36th. After the parade, music, food and entertainment will await visitors at Putnam City High School’s parking lot. This event is free for the whole family. Celebrate Guatemalan culture on Sept. 15 at Festival Chapin. You can expect folkloric dances and live performances by Guatemalan groups, authentic Guatemalan food, artisan crafts and goods and live music. On Oct. 12, the Hispanic Fiesta will take place in Scissortail Park from 5 to 10 p.m. on the Love’s Travel Stops Stage & Great Lawn.
Explore more ways to celebrate and honor the vibrant culture in Oklahoma City.
