Hispanic Heritage Month 2022

ARKANSAS CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Hispanic Heritage Month begins this month, and Arkansas is not lacking in events, activities, and celebrations. From health fairs to food festivals, there’s plenty to do all across the state to celebrate the histories, cultures, and traditions of the Latino community. 

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15. It was first celebrated in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson’s administration and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. 

September 15 is a special day for many Latin American countries because it is the anniversary of independence for five countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. And finally, October 12, which falls within the 30 days, is also Día de la Raza. “Race Day” recognizes the cultural fusion of indigenous America and Spanish heritage. 

Here’s a rundown of some of the activities happening around Arkansas to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. If you want your celebration added to the list, send an email to explore@argotsoul.com.

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FAYETTEVILLE

La serie SoNA Beyond, concebida con el fin de mostrar la vasta gama de posibilidades para la música clásica, y de llegar a las audiencias de formas nuevas e innovadoras, ¡regresa oficialmente con esta función gratuita el 18 de septiembre a las 2 p.m. en la Biblioteca Pública de Fayetteville! El músico de SoNA Raúl Munguía (Honduras/EE. UU.) preparó Voces Latinas (Latinx Voices), una creación que celebra el gran impacto que tienen los artistas latinxs en la cultura y en nuestra comunidad.

SoNA Beyond – Voces Latinas transportará al público de México a los Andes, destacando la riqueza y diversidad del repertorio clásico y tradicional escrito por compositores latinoamericanos. El espectáculo destacará a un grupo de compositores y su repertorio poco difundido o incluso desconocido, al mismo tiempo que mostrará trabajos más establecidos y afamados. Con la presentación de músicos de SoNA, Duo Capriccioso, el artista y compositor sudamericano Amado Espinoza, entre otros, Voces Latinas celebrará la variada y vibrante música de las Américas.

Voces Latinas (Latinx Voices) is curated by SoNA musician Raul Munguia (Honduras/USA) and celebrates the vital impact Latinx artists have in culture and our community. SoNA Beyond – Voces Latinas will take audiences from Mexico through the Andes, highlighting the richness and diversity of classical and traditional repertoire written by Latin-American composers.

Sunday, September 18 at 2 p.m. | Fayetteville Public Library’s Event Center on the first level of the library

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The University of Arkansas Fayetteville will host various activities, including a festive Plaza de las Americas featuring dancing, performances, and more. The event will take place on September 24 from 4-5:30 pm in front of the Arkansas Union. The university will also host a kick-off event for NWA Hispanic Leadership Council’s mentoring program, “LatinX on the Rise.” The virtual event will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, September 6 and 7th, from 5-6 pm and 11:30 am-12:20 pm, respectively.

The NWA Hispanic Heritage Festival will be celebrated on Sunday, September 25th, from 1 to 5 pm on Fayetteville Square. The free, family-friendly event will offer a variety of educational and entertainment activities, including arts and crafts, a soccer tournament, a children’s area, a parade of nations, dance contests, live entertainment, and vendors.

FORT SMITH

The UA at Fort Smith will celebrate Hispanic and Latin authors at the Boreham Library by showcasing their literary works all month. The university will host a talk with Angela Vivar, M.Ed., for first-generation college students at the Campus Center Reynolds Room on Friday, September 30th at 12:15. Students will also be able to enjoy coffee, culture, and conversation on Thursday, October 7th from 11 am to 1 pm at the Campus Center Fireplace with “cafecito and pan dulce” (coffee and baked goods).

JONESBORO

At Arkansas State University, the Latina sorority will celebrate its new campus chapter with various events from September 27th to October 1st, which are being published on the sorority’s Instagram account. The sorority will also host an online cooking class and a Loteria night on October 11 at 6 pm in Centennial Hall.

LITTLE ROCK

CALS celebra el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana como nunca antes con una variedad de actividades que facilitarán que toda la comunidad se sumerja en la rica cultura e historia de nuestros compatriotas estadounidenses.

La celebración comparte la vitalidad y la calidez de la comunidad hispana que nos toca a todos, con comida, películas, arte, música, baile y más.

CALS is observing National Hispanic Heritage Month like never before with a variety of activities that will make it easy for the entire community to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of our fellow Americans.

The celebration shares the vibrance and the warmth of the Hispanic community that touches us all, with food, films, art, music, dancing, and more.

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UA Little Rock will celebrate the month with a “Loteria Game Night” on Tuesday, Sept. 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Multicultural Center will host First Friday @ the MC with food, games, and trivia on Oct. 1 from 12 to 2 p.m.

NORTH LITTLE ROCK

In North Little Rock, the Hispanic Heritage Month Art and Food Festival takes place at Argenta Plaza on Saturday, September 17, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free and open to the public, the family-friendly event will celebrate the Latinx culture and Hispanic heritage with food trucks, art vendors, and entertainment.

ROGERS

The City of Rogers chose to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating members of the community and highlighting their contributions and accomplishments. Check out their list of community members.

SPRINGDALE

The Latin Art Organization of Arkansas will host the Festival del Mariachi in Springdale on Saturday, October 2, at 6 pm with Folklorico ballet dancing, mariachi music, and food vendors.