Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, Memphis! This festive month – from September 15 – October 15 – celebrates the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
There are several ways you can celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month right here in the Bluff City. Check out a few events:
Latin Fest 901 – Bring the whole fam to Overton Square this Saturday, September 21, for Latin Fest 901! Hosted by Cazateatro, this family-friendly Latin festival features live Latin music, food and drinks, vendors, kids’ crafts and more. It’s free!
Canti Records Showcase – The Canti Records Showcase is not just a performance; it’s an immersive journey transcending music and culture. This free concert at the Overton Park Shell features a diverse group of Latin artists, including Area 58 Band, Yanyo DB, Mariana Figueredo and more. The show is Thursday, September 19 at 7 pm at the Shell.
Super Saturday – Mexican Folk Dance – Mexican folk dance comes to life at the Brooks Museum this Saturday, September 21 at 10 am! Design and decorate your own Mexican folk dancer doll using clothespins, pipe cleaners, coffee filters and markers, inspired by Ballet Folklorico. It’s free, but registration is required – register now.
Dia de Los Muertos Altar Building Workshop – The Day of the Dead – or Dia de Los Muertos – is a Mexican celebration that honors deceased loved ones through decorated ofrendas to welcome the spirits. It is a celebration of life. In this two-hour workshop, you’ll learn about the traditions and meanings surrounding Dia De Los Muertos, and how to make an altar. This event, in collaboration with Cazateatro, takes place at Elmwood Cemetery on Sunday, September 22 at 2 pm. Space is limited and it’s $20/person. Register now.
Latin Dance at Tom Lee Park – Enjoy Hispanic Heritage Month by learning Latin dances! Edgar from Rumba Room will lead weekly, free dance lessons at the AutoZone Plaza in Tom Lee Park beginning this Thursday, September 19. See the full schedule here.
15th Annual Hispanic Film Festival – The University of Memphis’ Department of World Languages presents its 15th annual Hispanic Film Festival throughout September and October. The movies are free and open to the public, and will include English subtitles. Check out the schedule.
Latin Fest at the Mid-South Fair – The fair’s Latin Fest is set for Sunday, September 22 at the Landers Center in Southaven. Performers include Graciela Beltrán, The Obligados, The Idols of Oaxaca, Band Conquistadora, Impacto, The Kumbia Brothers, Musical Revival and Aixa Fernández with her tribute to Selena. The Latin Fest is included with regular fair admission.
CBU Writers Talk with Valeria Luiselli – Christian Brothers University and Memphis Reads welcomes Valeria Luiselli, author of “Tell Me How It Ends,” for a discussion on Wednesday, October 2. Luiselli was born in Mexico City and grew up in South Korea, South Africa, and India. An acclaimed writer of both fiction and nonfiction, she is the author of the essay collection “Sidewalks,” plus the novels “Faces in the Crowd” and “The Story of My Teeth.” She is the recipient of a MacArthur Genius Grant; the winner of two Los Angeles Times Book Prizes, an American Book Award, and the 2021 Dublin Literary Award. The event is free and attendance is either in person or via Livestream, but registration is required – register here.