Celebrated since 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month begins each year on September 15, the anniversary of independence of six Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile, Brazil, and Belize also celebrate their independence days during the period and Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is October 12.
The observance recognizes the contributions to our communities and impact on our culture made by Hispanic and Latino Americans. It also provides an opportunity for residents of all backgrounds to participate in the celebrations and experience art and entertainment and Latino food.
Montgomery County announces several local events that will occur during Hispanic Heritage Month – September 15 to October 30 – throughout the County and region. Events in Montgomery County September 18 – October 8 – the 24th annual American Film Institute Latin American Film Festival including films from Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and many other countries. Also features a free community screening of the Harvest of Empire. Check website for show times of featured films – http://www.afi.com/silver/laff/.
October 1, 11 a.m. – Frank Islam Athenaeum Symposia. REYNA GRANDE: AUTHOR OF “THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US” (movie), Montgomery College, Germantown Campus, High Tech Building, Globe Hall.
October 7, 3 – 7 p.m. – Montgomery County Hispanic, Heritage Event and “Harvest of Empire” Film Screening, Executive Office Building Auditorium (EOB).
October 9, 6-8:30 p.m. – Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Montgomery County GALA, Rockville Hilton.
October 9 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Holiday Park Senior Center, Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. Refreshments, music, native costumes, and dance performances! ($2 at the door), 3950 Ferrara Dr. Silver Spring. Call 240-777-4999 for more information.
October 11, 3 – 6 p.m. – 4th Feria Annual de Salud, Guru Gobind Singh, 13814 Travilah Road, Rockville.
October 15, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Holiday Park’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. Live Latin music with Joe Falero and the Sabor Latino Band ($5 or $3 w. HPSI card), 3950 Ferrara Dr. Silver Spring. Call 240-777-4999 for more information. October 19, 12-5 p.m. – World of Montgomery, Westfield Wheaton, October 23rd-26th – Greater Washington Immigration film fest. This three-day event will screen around ten films that display perspectives on migration from the experiences of adults and children during and after arriving to the United States. Link – . http://www.eventbrite.com/o/greater-washington-immigration-film-festival-6664188041.
October 24, 7 – 9 p.m. – “Sleep Dealer” film screening, Montgomery College, Takoma Park.
October 24, 7 – 9 p.m. – “A Better Life” film screening, Montgomery College, Rockville Campus.
October 27, 11a.m. – 5p.m. – Aspen Hill Hispanic Heritage Celebration, Aspen Hill Library, 4407 Aspen Hill Rd. Rockville.
October 30, 6 – 11 p.m. – Third Annual Montgomery County Hispanic Heritage Celebration, Silver Spring Civic Building.
October 30, 6 – 8:00 p.m. – CARECEN for our 33rd Anniversary Celebration, Pepco Edison Place Gallery, 702 Eighth Street, NW. Washington, DC.
October 30, 6 p.m. – Montgomery College invites all to the book presentation ”Latinos in the Washington Metro Area”, Gaithersburg Library, 2nd Floor, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave., Gaithersburg.
Events in the surrounding area September 25, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. – Civil Rights & Hispanic Americans, Library of Congress. Mumford, Sixth floor, James Madison Building. Washington DC. .
October 2nd-4th – “KARUKINKA” – Chilean Patagonia, Artists of the Land Where the Trees Talk, American Indian Museum. Washington, DC.
October 23rd – 26th – Greater Washington Immigration film fest. This three-day event will screen around ten films that display perspective on migration from the experiences of adults and children during and after arriving to the United States. Link – http://www.eventbrite.com/o/greater-washington-immigration-film-festival-6664188041.
For more Hispanic Heritage Month events in Montgomery County, call the Office of Community Partnerships at 240-777-2525. Or visit for events in MD:
