Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Evanston & Beyond

Every year from September 15 to October 15, we honor National Hispanic Heritage Month! It is a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latine communities in the United States.

This month-long celebration coincides with the Independence Days of several Latin American countries, as well as Día de la Raza, which recognizes the blending of Indigenous and European heritage in Mexico.

A Brief History

Hispanic Heritage Month began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, established by President Lyndon Johnson. Twenty years later, President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to a full month, and in 1988 it was officially enacted into law. Since then, communities across the nation have come together every fall to celebrate the diversity and resilience of Hispanic and Latine people.

Local Events to Celebrate

There are plenty of opportunities to join the festivities right here in Evanston and nearby communities. Whether you’re looking for cultural performances, family-friendly fun, or opportunities to learn, there’s something for everyone.

Evanston Public Library Programs

• ¡Pequeños exploradores!
  Sep 6

  Este programa es para niños comenzando el primer grado hasta el tercer grado y está lleno de actividades y manualidades completamente en español! Acompáñenos para escuchar cuentos con miembros de la comunidad…

• Grupo de Apoyo
  Sep 9

  ¿Cómo te sientes ante los nuevos cambios en la política migratoria?

  Este círculo ayudará a los participantes a navegar por las emociones vinculadas a los retos y transiciones a los que nos enfrentamos en el próximo año -ya sean sentimientos…

• Teen Scene - Collective Heritage Festival

  Sep 17

  Come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Robert Crown!

• Grupo de Apoyo para Hombres

  Sep 18

  ¿Cómo te sientes ante los nuevos cambios en la política migratoria?

  Este círculo fue creando para hombres y los que se indentifican como hombres y ayudará a los participantes a navegar por las emociones vinculadas a los retos…

• OAsis - For Older Adults ages 60+
  Sep 20

  A Learning, Creating, Connecting Space for Older Adults

  September 20: "Fiesta España"

  In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we'll learn about the Fallas of Valencia: a Spring celebration that rivals Mardi Gras in its scope and splendor…

• Mitos y verdades sobre el manejo del dinero

  Oct 7

  Acompáñenos en la ultima clase de talleres gratuitos de dos partes diseñados para que las familias latinas adquieran conocimientos financieros prácticos y fiables en una espacio acogedor y sin prejuicios!

  Impartidos en español por el YWCA…

Evanston Pride, Inc.

Fiesta Hispana
Thurs., Sept. 25 | 5–8 p.m. | Fountain Square
Celebrate unity and culture with mariachi, a piñata, artisan vendors, and a joyful celebration of the intersections between Latinx and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Skokie Public Library Programs

• Resources for Latine Business

  Wed., Sept. 24 | 6:00pm–7:30pm | Radmacher Room

  Latine business owners share stories of how they got started and what they do to succeed. Learn from other organizations about free resources to help your business. 

  Led by Rebeca Mendoza from Evanston Latinos, this is a bilingual event in Spanish and English.

• Networking for Latine Businesses

  Wed., Sept. 17 | 6:00pm–7:30pm | Radmacher Room

  Meet fellow Skokie Latine business owners and entrepreneurs. You'll find inspiration and support by sharing your experiences, hopes, and challenges. Refreshments will be provided. 

• Bilingual Spanish-English Storytime: Cuentos bilingües en español

  Tues., Sept. 23 | 10:00am–10:30am | Radmacher Room

  Come enjoy stories and songs in Spanish and English. Drop-in event for families with kids age six and younger.

• Raices Latin Jazz Sextet

  Sun., Sept. 28 | 3:00pm–4:15pm | Petty Auditorium

  Enjoy a performance paying homage to originators of Latin Jazz such as Cal Tjader and Mongo Santamaria, as well as original music in the same style. 

• Learn Basic Spanish

  Fri., Oct. 10 | 5:00pm–6:00pm | Radmacher Room

  Learn some phrases in Spanish and enjoy activities that celebrate Hispanic culture in this fun-filled event for families with kids in preschool through middle school. 

Wilmette Public Library Programs

• Spanish-English Bilingual Storytime
  Wed., Sept. 10 | 4:30–5 p.m. | Youth Program Room

• El Norte (1983)
  Mon., Oct. 6 | 9:30–12 p.m. |

  "El Norte" follows the harrowing journey of Guatemalan siblings Rosa and Enrique, who flee persecution and embark on a perilous quest in search of a better life in the United States.