I grew up in a predominately Hispanic city in the northeast. I was exposed to the Spanish language daily at school, at the public playground, and while running errands with my mom. My mother taught ESL classes and I will never forget how her students showered her with the best home-made Hispanic foods, including amazing tamales that I requested regularly (and still think about today)!
Every fall, as our nation celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, I think back to my old neighborhood and the music, voices, and delicious smells that taught me more about Hispanic culture than any class or history book. It was because I experienced daily, firsthand, and you can too!
From September 15-October 15, you can experience and celebrate alongside Nashville’s Hispanic/LatinX community as the city honors this colorful culture!
Here are some ways you and your family can celebrate and honor Hispanic Heritage Month at home and with the community!
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage at Home
Cook a classic Hispanic meal at home – One of the most common ways to experience different cultures is through food! IMO, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried authentic Hispanic cuisine. Quick PSA: Hispanic cuisine goes far beyond the typical tacos, rice and beans we get at our favorite Mexican restaurant. Hispanic cuisine is full of bold flavors and includes sweet and savory pastries, soups and stews, fish, pork, slow-braised beef, and yes, tacos. One of my favorite Hispanic cooks is Pati Jinich. Her recipes are easy to follow and highlight the true tastes and traditional flavors of Latin America. An easy recipe you can make with your kids: Chicken Flautas.
Make traditional crafts – One thing about Hispanic culture is that is it COLORFUL! So, kick craft-time up a notch with these simple, colorful crafts that honor the vivd colors of of Hispanic heritage!
- Papel Picado (“Punched Paper”) – These delicate strings of tissue paper can be seen hanging as banners during Day of the Dead and many other festivals in Mexico.
- DIY Paper Bag Pinata
- Muñecas Quitapenas (“Guatemalan Worry Dolls”) – These little dolls are popular among Guatemalan children, believed to absorb their anxieties and worries.
Listen to Hispanic/LatinX music – There is nothing quite like the rhythm and sounds of classic Hispanic music. Find music from popular Hispanic musicians, past and present, and listen to it in the car and at home! Better yet, catch it live! Plaza Mariachi has free live music almost every night of the week and you can catch featured Hispanic musicians at Rudy’s Jazz Room during Hispanic Heritage Month. Your family will be up and dancing in no time.
Learn the language – The Spanish language is the second most widely spoken language in the United States, after English, and the fourth most widely spoken in the world. So, why not learn to speak Spanish! Duolingo is a great app that makes learning a new language fun and simple!
Read books by Hispanic authors – Enter a different world through a book! It’s amazing the different POV you’ll start to see when you read books by authors whose ethnicities are different from yours. The Nashville Public Library has a great list of Hispanic authors for readers of all ages!
Watch a movie or show highlighting the culture – Have a movie night at home that focuses on a Hispanic figure, family, or the culture as a whole. One of the most popular movies: Selena. The Skydeck at Assembly Food Hall is having a special showing of Selena on September 28th. Another great movie featuring Hispanic culture is Encanto. If you have kiddos that are still in their PBS era, Alma’s Way is a cute show about a Hispanic girl growing up in the Bronx.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage in the Community
Support local Hispanic-owned businesses – There are many different businesses across the city that are owned by Hispanic/LatinX small business owners. City Cast Nashville has a great podcast episode featuring several different local Hispanic-owned businesses and restaurants.
Plaza Mariachi – This is one of my favorite places to spend a Saturday. All month long, Plaza Mariachi will be hosting free events that focus on Hispanic heritage including salsa nights, kids events, live Mariachi bands and more!
Hispanic Heritage Festival – This popular festival returns to the Nashville Zoo for a celebration of culture and community. Expect lots of live cultural performances, keeper chats with South American animal friends, interactive booths, and special menus throghout the park.
Selena at the Skydeck – The Skydeck on Broadway will be showing Selena on Monday September 28th during their Monday Movie Nights. Don’t miss the story of one of the most dynamic, female Mexican-American musicians of all time. This is a free event and suitable for all ages!
Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival – Experience cultures from around the world at Celebrate Nashville on October 3rd from 10am – 6pm at Centennial Park. See cultural performances, live craft demonstrations, authentic clothing and decor, and experience flavors from around the globe.
Sazón Latin Food Festival– Join Bearded Iris Brewing on October 18th from 12pm – 5pm for a day of Latin food, music, and celebration! This family-friendly outdoor festival will feature Latin music and curated food from across Latin America representing the best flavors from the Caribbean, Central, and South America. Reserve your spot today! Space is limited.
¡Saludos!
