How to experience Hispanic Heritage Month in Charlotte with festivals and traditional food
National Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 each year, and Charlotte is ready to celebrate with entertainment-packed events filled with live music, traditional foods and cultural experiences.
Why is it stretched out between the two months? Diversity and inclusion of many Latin American countries is the answer:
In 1968, Hispanic Heritage Week started under President Lyndon Johnson.
Then in 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the festivities to a 30-day period starting on Sept. 15.
Sept. 15 is the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
Independence Day in Mexico and Chile follow, on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
Here are a few events where you can celebrate in Charlotte:
Havana Night
Location: El Puro Cuban Restaurant; 5033 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217
When: Thursday, Sept. 12; 6-10 p.m.
Reservations: $15 cover fee
El Puro Cuban Restaurant is kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with Casino Salsa Lessons (7- 8 p.m. for beginners, 8-9 p.m. for intermediate). Lechón Asado en Caja China (roasted pig) will be served. Check out the restaurant’s event calendar for more events throughout the month as well.
[LATIN RESTAURANTS: Dive into Hispanic culture at these Latin-owned Charlotte restaurants.]
Latin American Festival
Location: Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11115 Upper Ave, Charlotte, NC 28277
When: Saturday, Sept. 21, begins at noon
Tickets: Free
The 34rd annual Latin American Festival will feature Dominican superstar Eddy Herrera, Ecuadorian performer Juan Fernando Velasco and more. Festivalgoers will find cultural representation from 19 Latin American countries participating in a mercadito (marketplace), as well as musical acts, traditional foods and dance performance.
Huntersville Latino Night
Location: 201 Huntersville-Concord Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
When: Friday, Sept. 27, 5-9 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Huntersville Latino Night at Veterans Park for una noche de fiesta y musica. Join the crowd on a night filled with live music, dancing, local food trucks and beverages (for purchase). See exciting performances from Orquesta Mayor, NC Brazilian Arts Project, DJ Nick Martin and more.
Hispanic Heritage Festival of the Carolinas
Location: Truist Field, 324 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC, 28202
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, begins at 3 p.m.; doors open at 2. Rain or shine.
Tickets: $20 at the door or online; kids 8 and younger are free
Enjoy artisan food and Hispanic culture while you enjoy the The Kazzabe Group from Honduras, Karlos Rose from the Dominican Republic, Porto Baloa from Venezuela, and guest DJ Coroking. Pets are welcome, but leave your tents, chairs and umbrellas at home. Outside food and drink are not allowed.
Hola Charlotte
Location: Tryon Street, uptown Charlotte
When: Saturday, Oct. 5, noon-6 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Stroll along Tryon Street uptown while you visit the Latin American village, made up of booths from local cultural organizations that are filled with musical instruments and other items from their homelands. Countries represented will include Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. There will be entertainment, too, although the lineup has not yet been announced.
Concord International Festival
Location: Downtown Concord, Spring Street SW and Barbrick Avenue SW
When: Saturday, Oct. 5, noon-6 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission
The Concord International Festival, a partnership between the city and El Puente Hispano, will include cultural stands, food and craft vendors. You’ll also find a kids’ corner with internationally-inspired attractions, as well as entertainment from music and dance groups including Furia Tropikal NC, Ballet Mexican Tradition of Julio Ruiz and more.
Did we miss an event? Let us know at charlottefive@charlottefive.com.
