National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15, a month intended to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Here in the Milwaukee area, we are blessed to be surrounded by a wide variety of opportunities to commemorate Hispanic heritage. We are excited to share many of our favorites around town, including some events taking place for you to include your whole family!
In light of the continued COVID-19 pandemic, please follow CDC guidelines when interacting with local businesses and events. Be sure to check in advance for masking requirements and any other protocols that might affect your experience.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Milwaukee
National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed across the country and there are lots of resources available for people to learn more about the when, where, and why of this national observance month. According to History.com, “the timing of Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of several Latin American nations.” To learn more about the history of Hispanic Heritage Month, check out these online resources:
- History.com: Hispanic Heritage Month
- NationalHispanicHeritageMonth.gov
- The National Park Service celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
- HispanicMonth.net
A bit closer to home, we’ve compiled a list of some of the events and opportunities to celebrate around Milwaukee, as well as a list of some of our team’s favorite Latinx-owned businesses you’re definitely going to want to check out this month!
Milwaukee Hispanic Heritage Month Events & Programs
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September 14th-October 15thMarcus Theatres South Shore Cinema and Elgin CinemaJoin Marcus Theatres for a celebration of Hispanic culture with a special series featuring Spanish-language and Hispanic-interest films. Featured will be “In the Heights,” “Vivo,” and “Selena.”
- Milwaukee Film Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Kickoff Event: Friday, Sept 17th, 4 to 8 pm at Zocolo Food Park
Milwaukee Film’s official Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off celebration will feature music, Mercado MKE vendors, delicious food, drinks, and sweet treat goodie bags. Come out for a fun chance to support Latinx businesses and celebrate Hispanic culture! Milwaukee Film’s month-long celebration on screen will include virtual programming, in-person screenings at The Oriental Theatre and other events designed to put a focus on Latinx filmmakers and traditions. -
October 11th11:30am-2:30pmUWM BallroomEnjoy live music, dance, crafts and refreshments at this cultural; celebration
- Milwaukee PBS: Hispanic Heritage Month
All available online!
Learn more about the diverse cultures and experiences of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Explore a special collection of stories that highlight their voices and contributions. Includes short films as well as the documentary, “The Latino Americans.” - Latino Arts, Inc. – Numerous exhibits and Special Events
Latino Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing Hispanic cultural arts programming for our community and beyond. From visual arts and performing arts to hands-on educational activities, we have something for everyone.
Milwaukee Public Art Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
If you want to open up conversations and learn more about the experience of immigrants from Latin countries, but want to take your time, enjoy the outdoors, and ensure social distancing, a visit to the public art of Milwaukee is the way to go!
- Head to Walker’s Point to enjoy several murals depicting the Latin-American and Hispanic experience.
- Visit any murals by artist Mauricio Ramirez, a well known artist whose works are scattered around the city. Be sure to check out the exhibit at Latino Arts, Inc as well!
- Check out the murals at Farmhouse Paint Bar & Banquet Hall at 4511 S 6th Street from their recent Fiesta Selena.
Support Local Latinx-Owned Businesses! Our Team Shares Their Faves:
A simple way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is to make a conscious effort to support a variety of local Latinx-Owned businesses. We asked our team of contributing writers to share their favorites and we’ve compiled the list for you below! Want a far more comprehensive list? Check out the Latino Chamber of Commerce of SE Wisconsin!
- Spicy Freza Apparel – A Latina owned & operated business creating apparel with the end goal of making everyone who wears each piece feel proud.
- Johanna’s Cakes & Desserts Cafe – Fresh baked pastries to cakes to a number of different desserts & coffee! Plus, made to order sandwiches, fritters & Puerto Rican rice amongst a variety of hot foods.
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El Sazón Dominicano Food Truck – Serving up savory Dominican food such as, rice and meat plates, habichuelas (beans), empanadas, and fried plantain and salami.
- Zocalo Food Truck Park – With a diverse mix of food entrepreneurs and a full-service bar specializing in craft cocktails, Zócalo has something for everybody. Spanish for plaza or town square, Zócalo is a gathering place where everyone belongs.
- Tostada by Maranta Food Truck – New to the scene and making waves with gorgeous, delicious tostadas. Sets up shop outside the Maranta Plant Shop! Order online, pick up at counter, Wed-Sun from 12 to 6 pm.
- Maranta Plant Shop – Milwaukee’s first and only Black & Brown-owned plant shop. Their mission is to make plant shopping accessible and affordable to everyone.
- La Revo Books – Affordable, relevant and a reflejo of nuestra comunidad. Curated Latinx and BIPOC Lit.
- La Finca Coffeehouse – Finca [‘Finka]:Spanish for “estate”. Refers to a piece of rural or agricultural land. Local coffee shop with faraway flavors. Welcome to amazing coffee. Located in St. Francis.
- Amilinda – Spanish and Portuguese inspired cuisine owned and operated by Gregory León, who you’ll also find cooking each night as executive chef!
- Prism Birth Services – Inclusive community midwifery care tailored to meet your individualized needs from preconception, pregnancy, birth, and throughout the postpartum years.
- Triciclo Peru – Triciclo Peru is a tribute to the working class, specifically to those that work in the streets of Peru. (You haven’t lived until you’ve had these empanadas.)
- The Farmhouse Paint Bar & Banquet Hall – Check out the coziest Paint and Sip in the Milwaukee area! Full bar. Banquet hall and event space up to 99 capacity. Ample parking.
- Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant – Guanajuato Restaurant is a family-owned establishment specializing in high-quality, handcrafted Mexican food.
- El Rey Family Market – Your neighborhood hispanic grocery store. Family owned and operated since 1978.
- Café Corazón – Bringing fresh Latin cuisine to Milwaukee using beef and produce from Wendy’s family’s farm, supporting local farmers, and growing produce at their own urban garden, Café Corazón has been committed to serving the freshest local fare for both meat eaters and vegan/vegetarians.
- Mega Cleaners – A wonderful, mama-owned business! Residential and office cleaning services throughout the Milwaukee Area.
- Xeroine Illustration – Chicana visual artist from the 414.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, we encourage you to make the most of Hispanic Heritage Month in Milwaukee!
(Oh, and quick reminder for those of non-Hispanic or Latin origins, that cultural appropriation is not okay.)
