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.