Celebrating Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month
Posted on Sep. 1, 2026 / Diversity, Equity and Inclusion / Subscribe 0
In the Twin Cities, Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to honor the profound cultural, economic and historical contributions of the local Hispanic community.
Wondering if you should use Latine or Latinx?
Historical Background
Why the Sept. 15 Start Date?
The celebration kicks off mid-month because Sept. 15 marks the independence anniversaries of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence immediately after on Sept. 16, followed by Chile on Sept.18. The national tradition began as a commemorative week under President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 and was extended to a full month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.
Minnesota's Rooted History
Hispanic heritage in Minnesota dates back to 1886, when Luis Garzón, a Mexican musician, became the state’s first recorded permanent Latino resident. Today, the community has grown significantly, driving local economies, neighborhood rejuvenations (such as the vibrant District del Sol in St. Paul and East Lake Street in Minneapolis) and rich artistic movements.
Local Activities & Annual Celebrations
The Twin Cities host robust annual festivals, cultural events and community markets that peak every mid-September.
Major Community Festivals
CLUES Fiesta Latina (St. Paul): Hosted by Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES) on East 7th Street, this massive outdoor event draws thousands of visitors. It features live folkloric dance, mariachi bands, family activities and authentic street food. CLUES Fiesta Latina. Enjoy! Connect! Engage! Participate!
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | CHS Field
West Side Fiestas & Football Fiesta (St. Paul)
Saturday, Sept. 12 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | El Rio Vista Recreation Center / Wellstone Center field area (179 E. Robie St., St. Paul)
Other Hispanic and Latine Heritage events in St. Paul
Festival Independencia de México & Parades (Minneapolis): Centered heavily around East Lake Street, local businesses host large-scale street festivals featuring competitive soccer games, live music, dance lessons and car parades.
Sunday, Sept. 14 |12-7 p.m. | Lake Street and Portland Avenue
Cine Latino Film Festival (Minneapolis) : A 5-day cultural hub showcasing Spanish- and Portuguese-language films from across Latin America, Ibero Cinema and US Latino storytellers. Organized by the MSP Film Society, this regional film festival showcases premier contemporary Spanish-language and Latine cinema. The evening screenings are paired with special guest appearances, dynamic night-life parties (fiestas) and local food trucks outside the venue.
Wednesday, Oct. 8-Sunday, Oct. 12 | The Main Cinema, 115 SE Main St, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Mercado Central Latino Farmers Market (Minneapolis)
Weekends through late October | 10 a.m-4 p.m | Corner of E. Lake St. & 4th Ave. S.
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