Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the City of San Antonio!
Published on September 15, 2023
Diverse events, programs, and activities for all ages are planned for the celebration throughout September until October 17
SAN ANTONIO (September 15, 2022) — As we commence Hispanic Heritage Month, the City of San Antonio presents a diverse array of events to pay tribute to the rich culture, historical significance, and invaluable contributions made by Hispanic and Latino communities. Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 15 – October 15 each year with festivities commemorating Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1810 and honoring San Antonio’s strong connection to Mexico.
The event lineup below features parades, musical and arts performances, film screenings, cooking demonstrations, crafts, health and wellness activities, and more. This programming aims to encourage San Antonians to not only celebrate these rich and diverse cultures for a month out of the year but to recognize and connect with the deep roots of Hispanic and Latino culture within our city year-round.
As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, the City’s Department of Arts & Culture has partnered with the San Antonio Diez y Seis de Septiembre Commission to kick off the annual celebration Fiestas Patrias San Antonio 2023. The Commission was established in 1994 and holds cultural events throughout the city to promote an understanding of the historical significance of Mexico’s Day of Independence. These events are included in the listing below. For more information about Fiestas Patrias San Antonio, please visit SanAntonio.gov/Arts or follow @getcreativesa.
Schedule of Hispanic Heritage Month events taking place through October 17:
9:30 a.m. September 15: Hispanic Heritage Month and Diez y Seis de Septiembre Celebration
Festive talk and presentation by Gonzaba Foundation. Members will share what their culture and heritage mean to them.
Location: Commander’s House Adult and Senior Center, 622 S. Flores, 78204
1 p.m. September 15: Salsa Cook-Off in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month
Members share their favorite salsas and culinary traditions during the second annual Granados Salsa Cook-Off.
Location: Granados Adult and Senior Center, 500 Freiling, 78213
1 p.m. September 15: Piñata Making
Learn the art of piñata-making during this two-day session. Second day is September 18, listed below.
Location: Lions Field Adult and Senior Center, 2809 Broadway, 78209
4 p.m. September 15: Opening Reception – Resistance: Origin & Gender in the Zapatista Movement
Photographer Paula Ramirez will be in attendance. Light refreshments will be provided.
Location: Central Library, 600 Soledad, 78205
Co-hosted by the Mexican Consul in San Antonio and the San Antonio Mexico Friendship Council in Historic Market Square. Fiestas Patrias event.
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce, 78207
Hosted by the Avenida Guadalupe Association. Fiestas Patrias event.
Location: Begins at the corner of Guadalupe Street and Brazos Street, 78207
9 a.m. September 16: Zumba at the Marquee – Como La Flor, Selena Zumba
All fitness levels baila esta cumbia to the iconic music of Selena, the Queen of Tejano Music. After the class, find fresh, locally sourced foods and explore handmade crafts, products from local pop-up vendors, healthy cooking demos and nutrition education sessions. Enjoy live music, food trucks, fun family activities, and more, brought to you by the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office and the San Antonio Food Bank.
Location: Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave., 78214
Performances by Mariachi and Ballet Folklorico groups at Historic Market Square. Fiestas Patrias event.
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce, 78207
11 a.m. September 16: Viva Mexico!
More than 40 students from Parks and Recreation’s award-winning dance program will perform regional Mexican folklorico dances.
Location: Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita St., 78205
1 p.m. September 16: Hispanic Heritage Movie Series – West Side Story
This remake of the 1961 musical retells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City.
Location: Collins Garden Library - 200 N. Park, 78204
8 p.m. doors, 8:30pm screening on September 16: Movie in the Pool – Selena
The film celebrates Selena Quintanilla-Perez, the iconic Tejano and Cumbia Queen from Corpus Christi, Texas whose music inspired generations of fans. Fruit and water in small coolers are welcome.
Location: Roosevelt Park Pool, 330 Roosevelt, 78210
Films by youth artists from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Brazil, Columbia, Argentina, Chile, the U.S. and Spain. Fiestas Patrias event.
Location: Films streamed for a week on a continuous 24-hour loop beginning at midnight on September 16th through midnight on September 23rd. New screenings will begin every two hours.
1 p.m. September 18: Piñata-Making
Learn the art of piñata-making during this session.
Location: Lions Field Adult and Senior Center, 2809 Broadway, 78209
7:30 p.m. September 21: Outdoor Family Film Series – Selena Film Screening
Family-friendly event includes entertainment, food trucks, and a screening of the classic film, Selena, on the original jumbo screen. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics to enjoy under the night sky. Presented by the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office.
Location: Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave., 78214
10 a.m. September 22: Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Bingo, prizes, fun facts and fellowship.
Location: Gill Community Center, 7902 Westshire Dr., 78227
1 p.m. September 23: Pedro Infante Film Event
Discover the legacy of Pedro Infante, the iconic Mexican actor and singer. Join us for a movie and refreshments. Two more screenings will follow on September 30 and October 14, listed below.
Location: Memorial Library, 3222 Culebra, 78228
Enjoy the day with superheroes as Rey Feo launches its very own Rey Feo River Parade for Education.
Location: Arneson River Theatre, 418 Villita St., 78205
Esperanza Peace and Justice Center presents an acoustic concert series hosted by Azul Barrientos. Fiestas Patrias event.
Location: Esperanza Peace and Justice Center 922 San Pedro, 78212
5:30 p.m. September 26: Hispanic Heritage Movie Series – The Perfect Game
Based on a true story, a group of boys from Monterrey, Mexico became the first non-U.S. team to win the Little League World Series.
Location: McCreless Library, 1023 Ada St., 78223
5:30 p.m. September 26: Hispanic Heritage Movie Series – In the Heights
"In the Heights" is an adaptation of a Tony award-winning musical about Usnavi, a bodega owner who longs to go back to his native Dominican Republic. One day, Usnavi's childhood friend Nina comes back from college with a secret, and Usnavi’s Abuela Claudia wins the lottery.
Location: Memorial Library, 3222 Culebra, 78228
6 p.m. September 26: Dia de Los Muertos Poesía / Day of the Dead Poetry
September is Hispanic Heritage Month and Suicide Prevention Month. Join us for a Dia de Los Muertos Poetry Event and a paper flower-making tutorial with local artist, Diana Martinez. This program is designed for adults, and we will discuss the origins of the Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives and write poetry for lost loved one's altars. Supplies are provided.
Location: Cody Library, 11441 Vance Jackson, 78230
6 p.m. September 26: Hispanic Heritage Movie Series – Selena
Join us for a screening of the film “Selena,” the true story of Texas-born music star Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. The biopic chronicles her rise to fame and tragic death at the age of 23.
Location: Cortez Library, 2803 Hunter Blvd., 78224
La Villita Historic Arts Village highlights Mariachi and music programs from various schools. Fiestas Patrias event.
Location: La Villita Historic Arts Village, 418 Villita St., TX 78205
1 p.m. September 30: Pedro Infante Film Event
Discover the legacy of Pedro Infante, the iconic Mexican actor and singer, with a movie and refreshments. An additional screening will follow on October 14, listed below.
Location: Memorial Library, 3222 Culebra, 78228
2 p.m. September 30: Hispanic Heritage Movie Series – Selena
Join us for a screening of the film “Selena,” the true story of Texas-born music star Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. The biopic chronicles her rise to fame and tragic death at the age of 23.
Location: Tobin Library, 4134 Harry Wurzbach, 78209
2 p.m. September 30: Hispanic Heritage Movie Series – La Bamba
Based on the true story of Richie Valens, this movie dramatically captures his rise from a field laborer to a rock and roll star. Second screening on October 2, listed below.
Location: Pan American Library, 1122 W. Pyron Ave., 78221
6 p.m. October 2: Hispanic Heritage Movie Series – La Bamba
Based on the true story of Richie Valens, this movie dramatically captures his rise from a field laborer to a rock and roll star.
Location: Westfall Library, 6111 Rosedale Ct., 78201
Guadalupe Dance Company presents live musical accompaniment by Mariachi Azteca de América. Fiestas Patrias event.
Location: Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St., 78207
8 p.m. October 13: Raza Cósmica – Hummingbirds
This documentary was the winner of the Grand Prix for Best Film of the Berlinale Generation 14-plus section. Co-director Estefanía “Beba” Contreras will be in attendance. With Joaquín Muerte spinning vinyl.
Location: Central Library 3rd-floor terrace, 600 Soledad, 78205
1 p.m. October 14: Pedro Infante Film Event
Discover the legacy of Pedro Infante, the iconic Mexican actor and singer. Join us for a movie and refreshments.
Location: Memorial Library, 3222 Culebra, 78228
Avenida Guadalupe Association presents the annual virtual closing party for National Hispanic Heritage Month. Fiestas Patrias event.
Online: Tune in to TVSA or to watch on-line at SA.gov/TVSA.
Featuring 15 teams of charros in competition. Fiestas Patrias event.
Location: Padre Park, 2126 Padre Drive, 78214
2:30 p.m. October 15: Hispanic Heritage Month Film Series – Coco
A boy named Miguel dreams of becoming a famous guitar player, despite the misgivings of his close-knit family. When his lofty ambitions cause him to run afoul of a curse, he must journey into the Land of the Dead to seek forgiveness from his ancestors.
Location: Schaefer Library, 6322 US Hwy 87 East, 78222
4:30 p.m. October 17: Adult Sugar Skulls Decorating
Fun for adults. While supplies last.
Location: Collins Garden Library, 200 N. Park, 78204