Why do we still celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

Rhode Island Latino Arts was founded in 1988 as the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee, and it has not only become our signature event, but each year it marks another passing year of our story. Or better put, of YOUR story.
So why, after all these years, do you still celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
The answer is because if we don’t tell our story, someone else will. If we don’t shape our narrative, express our Latino/Latina/Latinx pride in our way, no one else will. Now is time to start telling our own stories and stop being a behind-the-scene player or even worse, passive participants. It is time to take the stage.
As we enter our 35th anniversary, we simply ask this: all those who identify as Latino/Latino/Latinx to take it upon yourselves to tell your story, because it becomes your narrative and in time our narrative. Make it a story that can foster opportunities and shine a light upon positive contributions.
People, allies, gente in the media, you have a greater responsibility: to ensure you are telling our stories the way they should be told and supporting all of us in times when we cannot afford to let anyone else tell it for us. Our contributions are valuable; we are a significant part of the now and future of this nation. Our economic, cultural and intellectual impact is and will continue to be strong and must be acknowledged.
Let us know how we can help, and be sure to register your event to be listed on our calendar page.
¡Adelante!
So why, after all these years, do you still celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
The answer is because if we don’t tell our story, someone else will. If we don’t shape our narrative, express our Latino/Latina/Latinx pride in our way, no one else will. Now is time to start telling our own stories and stop being a behind-the-scene player or even worse, passive participants. It is time to take the stage.
As we enter our 35th anniversary, we simply ask this: all those who identify as Latino/Latino/Latinx to take it upon yourselves to tell your story, because it becomes your narrative and in time our narrative. Make it a story that can foster opportunities and shine a light upon positive contributions.
People, allies, gente in the media, you have a greater responsibility: to ensure you are telling our stories the way they should be told and supporting all of us in times when we cannot afford to let anyone else tell it for us. Our contributions are valuable; we are a significant part of the now and future of this nation. Our economic, cultural and intellectual impact is and will continue to be strong and must be acknowledged.
Let us know how we can help, and be sure to register your event to be listed on our calendar page.
¡Adelante!
- Kick-Off Event: Sabor Latino | 2023
Rhode Island Latino Arts will be turning 35 this year!
Celebrate with us on Sunday, September 10, 2023 from 5:30-7:30PM as we celebrate the anniversary of the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, RILA's original name and our signature celebration.
Location: The Broad Street Gateway Center, 1197 Broad St. Providence, RI 02905.Adults: $25 per person: Children: $10 each; 6 & under FREE • Family Rate: $35 for a family of four or five (parents & children only)
- Festival Latino
- Saturday, September 23 2023
Great Friends Meeting House lawn
21 Farewell St, Newport
12:00 to 6:00 pm
Live music, cultural dances, vendors, more.
Admission to this family event is FREE.Vengan a disfrutar los sonidos, sabores, actividades y cultura de la comunidad latina en la bella ciudad de Newport. Habra musica en vivo de Cuerdas de Plata mariachi, Aguijon Norteno, Mick'ys Latinband, y tambien DJ Chayno. El MC para el dia seria Hector Velez!
Tambien tendremos varios tropas de baille, El Convite Guatemalteco de RI food trucks, vendedores, muchos recursos y actividades!
- Todos Somos, Somos Uno: We Are All, We Are One
- Wednesday, September 20 2023
Virtual Event via Zoom
Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with keynote speaker, Adriana B. Rojas, PhD, Owner & Principal Consultant of Social Justice Works, LLC.
12:00 to 1:00 pm
Register online via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sxJfj0giRf6PWi98ZKu7Rw#/registration
- Rhode Island's 45th Annual Heritage Festival
- Saturday, October 21 2023
WaterFire Arts Center
475 Valley St, Providence
12:00 to 5:00 pm
Admission to this family event is FREE.Explore the world through art and music!
Join in a lively celebration of our state's rich cultural heritage! WaterFire Arts Center will be filled with culture, music, and dancing from around the world.
This unique festival bridges Rhode Islanders’ cultures and expressions of creative talent. Rhode Island heritage groups will present cultural exhibits, visual art, and craft demonstrations from all over the world. There will be food trucks offering an array of traditional foods and drinks. The children’s area will have free face painting, arts, and crafts.
The day begins with a parade of international flags from over 30 countries. Throughout the day dancers and musicians from various heritages will perform. This year’s festival will also include a multicultural fashion show featuring traditional and ceremonial clothing.
Contact: Donna Alqassar
Phone: (401) 222-4133
Email: Donna Alquasssar
- Let’s Play Mexican Lotería! | ¡Vamos a Jugar Lotería Mexicana!
- Saturday, October 7, 2023
Pawtucket Public Library
Bring your family for a fun morning of Loteria and win some prizes in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Loteria is a traditional Mexican bingo game with pictures instead of numbers. Best for children ages 3 and up.
No registration required
11:00am to 12:00 pm
FREE and open to all