UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — From mid-September through the end of October, Penn State units at campuses across the commonwealth will be holding events in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as a time to honor and celebrate the historic background, culture, heritage and many influences of the Hispanic and Latino communities throughout the years.

The unifying theme for this year’s observances is “Unidos en la Diversidad: Celebrating our Roots and Honoring our Heritage," chosen by the University Park Hispanic Heritage Month organizing committee. "Unidos en la Diversidad" means "United in Our Diversity."

In September 1968, the U.S. Congress authorized then President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, observed during the week that included Sept. 15 and 16. The observance was expanded in 1989 by Congress to a month-long celebration, when the U.S. celebrates the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and 18, respectively.

More information about events organized by the Hispanic Heritage Committee, and a list of Latino student organizations at University Park, is available on the Hispanic Heritage Month at Penn State website. These events, and additional ones taking place at the University’s campuses across the state, are listed below. Events are scheduled as early as Sept. 14 and run throughout October. This list will be updated throughout the month as new events are added.

Penn State University Park

Hispanic Heritage Month virtual display on the Libby reading app — through Oct. 15. Penn State University Libraries' Libby reading app will feature a Hispanic Heritage Month virtual display of e-books and audiobooks available for borrowing. Check out these titles including tales of magical realism, poignant coming-of-age stories, historical narratives and more based on Penn State's 2024 theme of "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together."

Happy Valley Latin Festival Community Event — Saturday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. The Happy Valley Latin Festival is a one-day music and arts festival bringing together Latin music, art and crafts vendors showcasing the vibrance and diversity of the Latinx/Hispanic culture in Central Pennsylvania. Sponsored by supporters and businesses in and around State College.

Celebrating Latina Power and Legacy — Monday, Sept. 16, 6 p.m., HUB 131. Join Lambda Theta Alpha and the Gender Equity Center for a celebration of Latina and femme Latinx people. During this event, we will celebrate Latinx heritage, allowing the hosts to share their culture, heritage and traditions. Toward the end of this program, we will allow an open discussion during which the Penn State Community can share their stories for Hispanic Heritage Month.

Latinx Heritage Month Ofrenda at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center — Sept. 16 through Oct. 15. Starting Sept. 16, stop by the Paul Robeson Cultural Center to visit our Latinx Heritage Month Ofrenda, enjoy Pan Dulce, and leave a note in our gratitude jar! An Ofrenda is a ceremonial altar where people can honor, remember and feel the presence of their loved ones who have passed on. While the Ofrenda will be built on Sept. 16, it will remain standing and available to visit through Oct. 15. For more information, contact justuspenaberman@psu.edu.

Penn State University Press Hispanic Studies Book Sale — Sept. 16-29, on PSU Press’ website. Browse new and recent books in Hispanic studies during the Press’ annual Hispanic Studies Sale. Check these books out at the library or get your own copy at 40% off through the Press’ website. For more information, contact Janice North at jrn61@psu.edu.

College of Health and Human Development Movie Night — Thursday, Sept. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m., 20 Henderson. We are showcasing a film that highlights the richness of Latino culture. This event is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and honor the diverse contributions of the Latino community. Snacks will be provided. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Harmony Wilson, hnw5139@psu.edu.

Hispanic Heritage Month Children’s Day — Sunday, Sept. 22, 1:30–3:30 p.m., Schlow Library, S. Allen Street, downtown State College. Featuring special guest Sonia de los Santos, who sings and plays instruments traditional to her hometown in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. She playfully weaves Spanish and English in songs about making new friends and moving to New York. Student organizations are still needed to volunteer. Email mxr199@psu.edu for more information.

Matinee with Sonia De Los Santos — Monday, Sept 23, 10–11 a.m., Eisenhower Auditorium. De Los Santos sings and plays instruments traditional to her hometown in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, in songs that weave Spanish and English lyrics about making new friends and moving to New York. She has been nominated for a Latin Grammy Award. General-admission tickets are $8. Visit the Center for the Performing Arts for information about tickets and parking.

Café con Leche at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center — Oct. 3. Join us for our Latinx Heritage Month Café con Leche! Engage in conversations about significant issues and ideas that bring the Latinx community together. Free hot beverages and sweet treats will be provided. For more information, contact justuspenaberman@psu.edu.

Hispanic Heritage Month Festival hosted by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers — Thursday, Oct. 3, 5-8 p.m., Rooms 325 and 326 Engineering Design and Innovation Building. Sponsored by the College of Engineering.

Hispanic Heritage Month Showcase — Tuesday, Oct. 3, 6-8 p.m., 110 Henderson. Hosted by the College of Health and Human Development, this event will feature a dance performance and lesson by Caliente!, celebrating the richness and diversity of Latino heritage. Experience the vibrant traditions, music, and a showcase that highlight the unique contributions of the Latino community. If interested in attending, contact Harmony Wilson, hnw5139@psu.edu.

Keynote Speech: “Bridging Cultures and Science: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage and LGBTQ+ Pride,” presented by Hector Aguilar-Carreno, professor of virology and associate vice provost for research and innovation, Cornell University — Thursday, Oct. 3, 6 p.m., 102 Benkovic Building. Sponsored by the Eberly College of Science’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Rainbow Science Network, the Penn State Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences’ Office of Diversity and Inclusion. A reception will be held after the talk, open to all Penn State students, faculty and staff. More about the keynote can be found here.

Latinx Heritage Month Fun Friday — Oct. 11, noon-3 p.m., Paul Robeson Cultural Center. Join the Latino Caucus, Brazilian Student Association, Latin American Graduate Student Association and the Paul Robeson Cultural Center for our first-ever Latinx Heritage Month Fun Friday! Stop by for free Latinx food, papel picado (punched paper) making, music and more!

2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Cultural Night — Friday, Oct. 11, 6-9 p.m., Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Featuring special guest and keynote speaker Mike Madrid, author of "The Latino Century." He will be speaking about the history of the Latino vote in the United States. Tickets are required to attend: Beginning Sunday, Sept. 15, you may claim your free ticket.

The Penn State Dolores Huerta Day of Service — We are looking for student volunteers to participate in both parts of this Dolores Huerta Day of Service. Email vjp111@psu.edu for more information about how to volunteer for these two events:

• Part 1, Sunday, Oct. 13 — 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm. Student volunteers will harvest produce and flowers for St. Andrews Church’s weekly Community Café.
• Part 2, Thursday, Oct. 17 — 5–7 p.m. St. Andrews Church, downtown State College. Student volunteers will serve dinner to the Community Café attendees.

Indigenous Peoples Day — Monday, Oct. 14. In collaboration with the Indigenous Peoples’ Student Association and the Center for the Performing Arts. More information to follow.

Performance: Eddie Palmieri — Wednesday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. In collaboration with the Center for the Performing Arts. A veteran of the New York Latin music scene and intergenerational Afro-Cuban sound will continue his 60-year-plus legacy by leading a performance of his Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra. Since the 1970s, Palmieri has released many solo albums that highlight his unique method and freeform approach to music. In 1975, he won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Latin Recording for "The Sun of Latin Music." Follow this link for tickets and more information.

Penn State Beaver

Cultural Fiesta — Oct. 9. Penn State Beaver's LatinX Student Union will hold its annual Cultural Fiesta, an evening of food, music and community gathering. Free to the Beaver campus community.

Penn State Berks

Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff — Monday, Sept. 16, 12:15 p.m., Perkins Plaza. The inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month activity coincides with the Mexican Day of Independence. This event features live music from a mariachi band, remarks from Mexican Heritage faculty members Cesar Martinez and Guadalupe Kasper, and Mexican food. In the event of rain, this event will take place in the first-floor Multipurpose Room in the Perkins Student Center.

"Enhance Your Customer Service with Rosa Julia Parra" — Tuesday, Sept. 17, 6–8 p.m., Centro Hispano Daniel Torres, 25 North 2nd Street, Reading, Pennsylvania. This Spanish-language event will offer networking and a light dinner for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and the presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. with keynote speaker, Rosa Julia Parra, founder of Palo Magazine, a bilingual educational and lifestyle publication for the ever-growing diverse Berks County community. Parra will discuss the profound impact that customer service has on business success, delving into practical strategies tailored to attendees’ experiences. She will also explore the subtle differences in customer service skills required in our increasingly bilingual world, acknowledging cultural sensitivities and diverse communication styles. This event is hosted by the Berks LaunchBox. Attendees must register in advance.

Eunice Levis Film Showcase — Thursday, Sept. 26, 5 p.m., Perkins Student Center Multipurpose Room. Join Dominican-American filmmaker Eunice Levis for a showcase of her short films, which focus on genre-bending stories that combine her love of horror, sci-fi and fantasy, often through a diasporic lens. The showcase will be followed by a discussion of her work. Light refreshments will be served.

Fiesta Latina — Wednesday, Oct. 2, 5 p.m., Perkins Student Center Multipurpose Room. La Fiesta Latina is an annual event celebrating Latin heritage. With the theme of "one language; many cultures," this event features live presentations, dancing and a taste of Latin cuisine.

Latino Forum — Friday, Oct. 11, 9:30 a.m.–noon, Perkins Student Center Auditorium. The 12th annual Latino Forum welcomes regional high school students and the Berks County community for an event that celebrates Latino heritage throughout the region. This year's keynote will be presented by Javier Ávila, a professor of English, a poet, novelist and public speaker. Ávila takes his classroom to the masses, using the power of storytelling to deliver a powerful message about unity and inclusion, and transporting the audience on a journey as he moves between cultures.

Ávila's work has earned numerous awards, including the Cultural Arts Award from the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education. In 2015, he was named Pennsylvania’s Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation. High school students will enjoy pizza following the talk in the first-floor Multipurpose Room, Perkins Student Center. La Mega Radio Station will be there to bring the energy with a remote broadcast of this event. High schools may register students now.

Penn State DuBois

Diversity, Arts, and Lecture Series: Carlos Andrés Gómez — Monday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m., Hiller Auditorium. Carlos Andrés Gómez is a speaker, author, poet and actor who creates immersive experiences and interactive trainings galvanize with students, stuff and faculty toward creating a community characterized by fairness, connection, accountability, and deep sense of belonging. Gómez gives participants actionable tools and strategies to implement in their lives. Public welcome. More on Gómez can be found here.

International Day of Peace Student Event — Tuesday, Sept. 24, 12:15 p.m., Hiller Student Union. Students can join student engagement to recognize the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.

Student Grocery Loteria — Thursday, Oct. 10, 12:15 p.m., Hiller Student Union. Students are invited to join the Human Development and Family Studies Latine Families class to play bingo for groceries and Mexican treats!

Penn State Harrisburg

Karaoke Night with the Latino Club — Tuesday, Sept. 3, 6-8 p.m., Olmsted, Stacks Stage. To mark the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, Penn State Harrisburg’s Latino Club will host an evening of music and unity.

Bailamos Connect – Dance Lesson then Networking! — Saturday, Sept. 7, 6-7:30 p.m., Olmsted, Oliver LaGrone Cultural Center W132. Baila con nosotros! The Penn State Harrisburg Latino Club, in collaboration with the Latino Hispanic Professionals Association (LHPA), will hold an event where students can learn dance moves, as well as interact with other students and stakeholders from the region.

Game Night with the Latino Club — Friday, Sept. 13, 6:30-8 p.m., Library, Morrison Gallery Lib101. Join the Penn State Harrisburg Latino Club for a night of fun games. The evening is dedicated to promoting unity through diversity and bringing people together for entertainment.  

Flag Event — Wednesday, Sept. 18, 12:30 p.m., location TBD. Join the Penn State Harrisburg Latino Club to honor Hispanic culture and express pride in your own culture, too. Attendees will have an opportunity to join together under one umbrella, compromising various flags symbolizing different nations around the globe. The occasion is meant to promote unity, making new friends, and learning others’ ways of life.

Pathways to Success: A Panel with Latino Professionals — Wednesday, Sept. 25, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Library, Morrison Gallery Lib101. What does it take to succeed? Find out from those who have walked the path. This panel brings together inspiring Latino professionals who will share their journeys, challenges, and the strategies that helped them rise to the top.

FriYAY Coffeehouse Series presents Los Monstros — Friday, Sept. 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Zeigler Commons (rain location: Stacks Stage). Dance or chill! Los Monstros brings a unique variety of cultures to the table with their own blend of styles representing the vast array of Afro-Caribbean and Latin-Fusion Music, including salsa, bachata, merengue and more. As a multi-ethnic combination of musicians, each member contributes a part of their own culture to the overall sound, producing something that blends both traditional and contemporary Latin vibes. 

Cultural Show & Tell — Wednesday, Oct. 2, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Olmsted, Room E311. Take a journey across the vibrant tapestry of Latino cultures with the Latino Club. All attendees at the Cultural Show and Tell will be asked to share a piece of their culture, such as history, goods or talents.

Karaoke Night with the Latino Club — Tuesday, Oct. 15, 6-8 p.m., Olmsted, Stacks Stage. A night of karaoke to close out Hispanic Heritage Month. This event is about joy, community and love of music and culture.

Penn State Scranton

Annual Farmer's Market — Wednesday, Sept. 18, noon, SLC Patio. The annual Farmer's Market event hosted by the Campus Activities Board and Health and Wellness Services will feature free samples of Pico de Gallo for students as an ode to Hispanic Heritage Month.

Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off event — Friday, Sept. 20, noon, The View Cafe. Our Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off event will feature authentic Latino cuisine from Hispanic-owned family restaurants and traditional Latino music, followed by an educational Kahoot game for students, hosted by the Student Organization of Latinos (SOL).

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Educational Displays: Hispanic Heritage Month — Sept. 10-11, all day. Locations: Bush Campus Center, Dauphin Hall, Hager Lifelong Education Center Hallway. Visit the tables to learn more about the history of Hispanic Heritage Month, how to celebrate it, and upcoming events at Penn College.

If they are accompanied by a Penn College student, members of the public also can attend the “family-friendly” activities listed below.

Monday Movie Night: Vivo — Monday, Sept. 16, 8-10 p.m., Davie Jane Gilmour Center, Room 1056. Follow Vivo, a music-loving kinkajou, as he embarks on the journey from Havana, Cuba, to Miami, Florida, to fulfill his destiny and deliver a love song to Marta Sandoval, a retiring singer. Highlighting Hispanicculture in both Cuba and Florida, this movie presents a moving story and catchy music that everyone will love. Refreshments provided, discussion to follow. This event is family-friendly.

Sí, Se Puede: Service and Activism — Tuesday, Sept. 24, 5-6:30 p.m., CC Commons in the Bush Campus Center. Volunteering and social activism require purpose, passion and a desire to create change. Understand how the two intersect, learn about famous Hispanic activists, and participate in a service project that benefits the local community. This is a family-friendly activity.

Café con Amigos — Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2-4 p.m., Bush Campus Center Lounge. Take a free coffee break and learn about the different types of coffee — and their cultural significance — in Hispanic and Latin American countries. Bring a friend, or make a new one. This is a family friendly-event.