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 20th annual Fiestas de las Americas returns to Calle Dos Cinco in Historic Capitol Hill from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 27. 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.
Festivals
Celebrate the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month at the Hispanic Festival in Scissortail Park on Oct. 11 from 5-10 p.m.! Enjoy vibrant performances, colorful dancers and an immersive experience of diverse cultures through food, music, art and more.
Experience Festival de Matachines at the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine, featuring the vibrant and centuries-old dance of the Matachines—a cherished tradition with Spanish roots. Enjoy this free celebration from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Looking for a hands-on experience? Visit the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to explore the vaquero tradition through the artistry of master rawhide and horsehair braider Luis Ortega—whose craftsmanship transformed a working cowboy skill into fine art. View Ortega’s stunning pieces and create your own rawhide braid to take home. Free for members or with Museum admission; available while supplies last.
Oklahoma City Comets | Cielo Azul de Oklahoma City
Cielo Azul de Oklahoma City is back for six games of ¡Celebración Cielo Azul! Sept. 9-14 as part of Minor League Baseball's Copa de la Diversión initiative. "Copa de la Diversión" or "Fun Cup" is a season-long event specifically designed to embrace the culture and values of the U.S. Hispanic and Latino communities of the participating teams. 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. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate with the Oklahoma City Comets!
Live Shows
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with 3BALLMTY at Tower Theatre! Known for their electrifying Tribal Guarachero sound, this groundbreaking group has transformed the Latin music scene and collaborated with global stars like Shakira, Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Becky G and more.
Follow up with Latin pop sensation Natalia Jiménez who brings her unforgettable voice and passion to The Criterion on September 18.
Explore more ways to celebrate and honor the vibrant culture in Oklahoma City.
