A few Nashville events celebrating the histories, cultures and traditions of local Latin American communities
Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off nationwide on Sept. 15, marking a monthlong celebration of Latin culture. The mid-month commencement reflects the independence days of Latin American countries, including Nicaragua on Sept. 15 and Mexico on Sept. 16. Sometimes the month serves as an excuse for clumsy pandering by politicians and corporate brands — some critics even joke it should be called “Hispandering” month. But on the local level, it offers communities a chance to celebrate their histories, food and traditions.
Below are some offerings in and around Nashville over the next month. More events may pop up over the next few days, and it’s worth noting that college campuses often have their own monthlong agendas; Vanderbilt University has a robust calendar that includes workshops and celebrations, for example. So keep an eye out for more ways to celebrate.
Sept. 15: Fiestas Patrias 2019 at Plaza Mariachi Music City
PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS Plaza Mariachi will celebrate the independence of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica with a full day of live music, dance performances, kids’ activities and vendors galore. There will be events inside and outside the venue, and featured guests include Univision Nashville 42 host Perla Mendoza; musical acts Marimba de Guatemala, Mariachi Sol Azteca and Grupo Proyecto X; dance troupes Baila Dance Studio and Beyond Wings; the crowning of Miss Latina Music City; and more. It will close out with a traditional El Grito ceremony and fireworks. Noon-10 p.m. at 3955 Nolensville Pike
Sept. 15: Fifth Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival at Rivergate Mall
In partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Rivergate Mall’s celebration will feature performances by Danza Azteca Coatlicue (a dance troupe that preserves Aztec folkloric traditions), as well as singers, vendors and kids’ activities. Noon-4 p.m. at 1000 Rivergate Parkway, Goodlettsville
Sept. 16: Code Your Own Video Games at the Microsoft Store at The Mall at Green Hills
This free introductory workshop promises not just to teach the basics of coding, but also introduce kids to a Latinx tech professional. Since Latinos are one of the biggest markets in gaming, it’s never too early to push for more representation in the industry. 6-8 p.m. at 2126 Abbott Martin Road
Sept. 28: Conexión América’s #TheLatinParty at Cannery Ballroom
Conexión Américas’ annual party will feature live music from the Music City Latin Orchestra and dancers from the Global Education Center. There will also be food, a dance party (including instructions) and music by DJ Bryant D. Be sure to wear cocktail attire for this 21-and-up event (tickets $50 in advance). 7 p.m.-midnight at 1 Cannery Row
Sept. 15-Oct. 15: Hispanic Heritage Month at the Nashville Public Library
Library branches throughout Nashville are hosting several family-friendly events, including matinee showings for Coco, bilingual song-and-story times by Rachel Rodriguez, and puppet-show retellings of the Mayan creation story. Times and dates vary by location, so get the full roster of by checking out the Hispanic Heritage Month series over at events.library.nashville.org.
Oct. 17 Hispanic Heritage Awards at Casa Azafrán
Conexión Américas will host its 12th annual Hispanic Heritage Awards Ceremony to celebrate the work of Latinos in Tennessee. The awards ceremony recognizes the winners of its young Latino writers essay contest, “My Hispanic Roots, My American Dream,” and the winners of the Orgullo Hispano award, which celebrates the “unsung heroes in the Latino community.” The event is free, with light refreshments. 6-7:30 p.m. at 2195 Nolensville Pike
Kelsey Beyeler contributed additional reporting to this story.
