5 Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Austin

Each year, Americans celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. September 15 is significant as it marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The independence anniversaries for Mexico (September 16) and Chile (September 18) follow right behind.

We have a high Hispanic population in Austin (30.55 percent), so it's only appropriate that the city offers a number of ways to celebrate this national holiday. Here are several local celebrations that our Springs at Lakeline and Springs at Round Rock residents can check out:

1. Hispanic Heritage Month Concert
Saturday, October 14 at 2 p.m.
Cepeda Branch of the Austin Public Library
651 N Pleasant Valley Rd
512.974.7372

Music is a powerful way to experience Hispanic culture, and Chilean singer/songwriter Ricardo Parra will put on a free live musical performance in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Parra is well-known in the Austin community for his music, which is saying a lot because our city is known for having one of the best live music scenes in the country. Parra's folk/blues-style music pays homage to Hispanic culture and is something that should not be missed.

2. Mexic-Arte Museum
419 Congress Ave
512.480.9373

This one-of-a-kind museum is dedicated to the presentation and promotion of Mexican, Latino and Hispanic art and culture. The museum is the Official Mexican and Mexican American Fine Art Museum in Texas and offers a diverse series of programs and presentations to introduce emerging Hispanic artists to Austin.

3. Mural Art Exhibit Honoring Raúl Valdez
307 Chicon St
512.476.9193

Street art has been nourishing Austin's soul for more than 50 years. One of the most iconic muralists is Raúl Valdez, and the city spent over $50,000 back in 2012 to restore one of his iconic murals in East Austin featuring images of Hispanic heritage. This 3,000-square-foot canvas is the backdrop of the outdoor Hillside Theater at the Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center.

4. AVANCE — Austin's Valor y Sueños Luncheon
Wednesday, November 1 at 11:30 a.m.
JW Marriott Austin
110 E 2nd St
512.474.4777

Although this luncheon takes place outside of Hispanic Heritage Month, we wanted to mention it anyway as this organization makes a huge impact for the Hispanic community in Austin. AVANCE is one of the oldest and largest parenting and early childcare programs in the country, and the local chapter supports Austin families who live in poverty. Historically, the organization has held an annual Hispanic Heritage Month luncheon, but this year's Valor y Sueños luncheon will take its place.

5. Read Hispanic Heritage Books

Want to learn more about the Hispanic culture? With it being National Hispanic Heritage Month, there's no better time than the present to check out some books from the Austin Library and read up on this culture.

How do you plan to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month in Austin?