Many events are organized by Hispanics of Today (HOT), a student organization at Pitt State dedicated to promoting Hispanic culture and traditions.
First Sunday of each month through November | 5 to 9 p.m. | The Greenway, Downtown Pittsburg
These family-friendly gatherings open to everyone highlight Hispanic culture through Latin food trucks, live music, and community activities.
Friday, Oct. 3 | 5 to 8 p.m. | Gorilla Village
HOT will host its annual La Celebración, a free community festival featuring food trucks and vendors including Tacos el Gordo and La Sinaloense. Entertainment will include DJ Jace from Audiocrisp Events, dancers from SEK Folkloric, and other local musical acts.
Sept. 14 to Oct. 19 | Various campus locations
The Hispanic Music Festival will offer multiple opportunities to explore Hispanic heritage through music. All concerts are free with the exception of the final performance by the SEK Symphony on Oct. 19. Full schedule: events.pittstate.edu/hispanicfestival
Hispanic Heritage Month is observed nationwide from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Established in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson as a week-long celebration and expanded to a month in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan, it recognizes the profound contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States.
The dates were chosen to coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries: Sept. 15 (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua), Sept. 16 (Mexico), Sept. 18 (Chile), and Sept. 21 (Belize).
Latinas and Latinos have played vital roles in American history since the Revolution — as business owners, artists, scientists, athletes, public servants, and more. Hispanic Heritage Month offers an opportunity to celebrate their lasting impact.