As summer fades to fall, National Hispanic Heritage Month arrives with plenty of opportunities to celebrate and pay respect to Latinx 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 Latinx 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 Latinx-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 8 p.m. on Sept. 30. 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 Heritage Table. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, guests can create their own espuelas (spurs) and take in the stunning exhibits that honor the original cowboys — vaqueros.
OKC Dodgers | Cielo Azul de Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City’s Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers will close its 2023 season with three home games between Sept. 15-17, all of which will serve as a celebration of Latinx 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. There will also be a Spanish-speaking public address announcer for select games.
“Presente in Oklahoma!”
For an educational opportunity with local ties, the Oklahoma Historical Society Multicultural Office is hosting a lunch-and-learn panel discussion, “Presente in Oklahoma!,” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26. This event will highlight the Hispanic community's significant contributions to the state of Oklahoma and discuss the importance of various consulate offices in the state.
Quinto Festival Amistad
Get the celebration started early with the fifth-annual Festival Amistad on Saturday, Sept. 2. This year's parade will start at 11 a.m. from Supermercado Morelos (3701 N. MacArthur Blvd), run north along MacArthur Boulevard until reaching NW 50th St, where the parade will turn west and end at Putnam City High School. Music, food and entertainment will await visitors at Putnam City High School’s parking lot.
