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Latine Heritage Month
Why Latine Heritage Month and not Hispanic Heritage Month?
The celebration formerly known as Hispanic Heritage Month is transitioning to Latine Heritage Month (LHM), reflecting a more inclusive approach to honoring the diverse communities it represents. This shift in terminology recognizes the rich tapestry of identities within Latin American communities while maintaining the same meaningful celebration from September 15th to October 15th.
What is Latine Heritage Month (LHM)?
Latine Heritage Month (LHM) formerly known as Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) is a month-long celebration of Latine history and culture. While we celebrate Latine communities beyond this month, from September 15th to October 15th we highlight the many contributions made by the Latine community to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, traditional foods, and much more. .
LHM provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact that the Latine community have had on the United State for generations. Today, the Latine population in the United State is over 60 million according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes up 18.9% of the total population and is the largest ethnic group. The Latine community continues to help fuel the economy and enrich the nation as entrepreneurs, athletes, artist, entertainers, educators, scientists, public servants, and much more.
When is LHM?
LHM is celebrated each year from September 15th to October 15th. It began as a week long celebration in 1968 and was expanded to a month in 1988. The month-long celebration provides more time to properly recognize the significant contributions the Latine Community has made to the U.S. LHM does not cover one single month but instead begins in the middle of September and ends in the middle of October. The timeframe of this month is significant because many Latine countries celebrate their independence within these dates. By aligning with these independence dates, LHM honors the resilience and determination of the Latine community. Key independence Days celebrated withing LHM include:
- September 15 - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua
- September 16 – Mexico
- September 18 – Chile
- September 21 – Belize
Learn more about the unique Latine Independence Days traditions and celebrations.
Why is it important to celebrate LHM?
Latine people have always held significant roles throughout our country’s history. LHM is important because it provides an opportunity to celebrate the integral part the Latine community has had in growing and strengthening our democracy.
Representation matters. Latine people continue to shape the nation as business owners, activist, artists, educators, public servants and much more. From serving in the U.S. military to being champions in the fight for civil rights, Latine people remain string leaders and changemakers.
It’s crucial to make sure that the contributions of the Latine community are showcased, and that they have a Voice. According to the 2020 data from the U.S. Bureau, one in every four children in the U.S. is Latine. A recent study found that Latine history is largely left out in high school textbooks that are used across the U.S., despite the increasing percentage of Latine students. This also comes at a time when the economic output of Latine would rank fifth in the world if the community were an independent country. As the country continues to increase in diversity, it is important that we all learn about the Latine experiences to recognize and value the many contributions the Latine community have made.
Explore more online resources to learn more about the Latine experiences and Latine Heritage Month: https://latino.si.edu/learn/teaching-and-learning-resources/hispanic-heritage-month-resources
2025 Sacramento State LHM Events
Check out our campus events!
HSI Week of Action with Dr. Marcela Cuellar
Join us for a workshop led by Dr. Marcela Cuellar, whose research focuses on the role Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) play in shaping Latine student experiences and academic outcomes. This session will offer insights into how HSIs support student success, challenges that remain, and opportunities to foster greater equity in higher education. Please RSVP here.
University Union, Hinde Auditorium
3:00pm-5:00pm
HSI Week of Action: HSI Platicas
Join us for HSI Platicas, a three-part workshop series exploring the unique role of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in advancing equity, access, and student success. Each session features interactive discussions and expert insights on how HSIs can better serve Latine and other historically marginalized students. Whether you attend one or all three, these workshops are an opportunity to learn, connect, and reimagine what it means to truly serve our diverse campus community.
To request accommodations, please email [email protected] no later than 9/4/25.
Serna Center
12:00pm-1:30pm
Centro Serna Open House
The Serna Center is excited to invite the campus community to our Open House! Come explore our space, meet our dedicated team, and learn more about the events and services we offer
Serna Center (Riverfront Center 1031)
3:00pm-5:00pm
La Bienvenida: The Welcome
Celebrate the start of the year with La Bienvenida! This vibrant event brings our community together with a campus resource fair, delicious food trucks, live Banda, high-energy DJ sets, dancing, and more. Come connect with peers, discover student resources, and enjoy an afternoon filled with music, culture, and celebration.
To request accommodations, please email [email protected] no later than 9/11/25.
Acorn Amphitheater (Main Quad)
3:00pm-6:00pm
Sacramento Poderosas: The Sacramento Poderosa Mural - Artist Talk
The Sacramento Poderosas is a collective of scholars, community activists, artists, culture bearers, students, and educators dedicated to preserving imperiled Xicanx/Latinx/Indigenous herstories/histories and highlighting culturally responsive, gender inclusive narratives. Through the planning, designing and painting, the Sacramento Poderosas created a community owned mural highlighting nine Sacramento Xicana/Indigenous activists. Painted in portable sections, the mural has been displayed in numerous venues in the Sacramento Valley including University of California, Davis, Woodland High School, Sacramento City College, and American River College. The mural acts as an agent of change, transforming public spaces into inclusive and revolutionary spaces. In conjunction with the mural display, the exhibition also features work by Sacramento Poderosas Isabel Martínez and Ruby Chacon. Highlighting their individual art practices, the show includes recent paintings and works on paper. This exhibition is co-sponsored by Inclusive Excellence.
Kadema 145
5:30pm-7:30pm
Voces de Sacramento Award Ceremony
Voces de Sacramento is a creative writing contest in the Spanish language open and available to all who are interested to apply and/or participate, regardless of race, sex, age, ethnicity or national origin. The Department of World Languages and Literatures at Sacramento State is proud to host students and community members in the Sacramento area annually to participate in Voces de Sacramento. The contest allows local writers to showcase their Spanish linguistic and creative skills. Whether you are a student of Spanish or a native speaker, we encourage you to submit your best work. Our department is committed to promoting language learning and cultural awareness, and this contest reflects our dedication to these goals. We invite you to join us in this celebration of language and creativity. The call for submissions opens annually in February and closes at the end of May.
This event is the award ceremony for the winning contestants, their families, and the community.
Univeristy Union, Redwood Room
6:00pm-9:00pm
Feria de Educacion
Feria de Educación empowers thousands of Spanish-speaking parents and students with information and resources to help them succeed in California’s educational system and pursue higher education. In 2025, the event will occur virtually on Saturday, October 11. More information to follow.
9:00am-4:00pm
Zoom link TBA
HSI Platicas
Join us for HSI Platicas, a three-part workshop series exploring the unique role of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in advancing equity, access, and student success. Each session features interactive discussions and expert insights on how HSIs can better serve Latine and other historically marginalized students. Whether you attend one or all three, these workshops are an opportunity to learn, connect, and reimagine what it means to truly serve our diverse campus community.
To request accommodations, please email [email protected] no later than 10/6/25.
Serna Center
12:00pm-1:30pm
Dia de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a widely celebrated tradition in Mexican and Central American communities, Oct. 28 – Nov. 2, in which family and friends gather to pay respects to deceased loved ones.
Event information TBD
2025 LHM Community Events
Check out our community events!
The California Museum
1020 O Street, Sacramento, Ca 95814
Sept. 3rd (10am – 5pm)
Sept. 5th (10am – 5pm)
Sept. 7th (12pm – 5pm)
Sept. 10th (10am – 5pm)
Sept. 12th (10am – 5pm)
Sept.14th (12pm – 5pm)
Laughs Unlimited
1207 Front Street, Sacramento, Ca 95814
7:00pm – 8:30pm
Casa De Español
1101 R St, Sacramento, CA 95811
6:00pm - 10:00pm
The Press Club
1119 21st Street, Sacramento, Ca 95811
Starts at 8:00pm
Old Sacramento Waterfront
1206 Front Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
7:15pm - 10:00pm
California Automobile Museum
2200 Front Street, Sacramento, Ca 95818
12:00pm - 7:00pm
Valley High School
6300 Ehrhardt Ave, Sacramento, CA 95823
10:00am - 3:30pm
Harris Center for the Arts
10 College Pkwy, Folsom, CA 95630
10:00am - 12:00pm
The Sacramento Poetry Center
1719 25th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
6:00pm - 9:00pm
University Plaza Waterfront Hotel
110 West Fremont Street, Stockton, CA 95202
4:00pm - 9:00pm
California Museum
1020 O Street, Sacramento, Ca 95814
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Cesar Chavez Plaza
910 I Street, Sacramento, Ca 95814
2:00pm - 9:00pm
Casa De Español
1101 R Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Benvenuti Performing Arts Center
4600 Blackrock Drive, Sacramento, Ca 95835
6:00pm - 8:00pm
The California Museum
1020 O Street, Sacramento, Ca 95814
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Laughs Unlimited
1207 Front Street, Sacramento, Ca 95814
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Laughs Unlimited
1207 Front Street, Sacramento, Ca 95814
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Latino Center of Art & Culture
2700 Front Street, Sacramento, CA 95818