Hispanic Heritage Month events planned in Pittsburg
PITTSBURG, Kan. – Pittsburg will come alive this fall with a variety of events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, open to the Pittsburg State University campus and the wider community.
Many events are being organized by Hispanics of Today (HOT), a student organization at Pitt State dedicated to promoting Hispanic culture and traditions.
La Celebración
Thursday, Oct. 3 | 5 to 8 p.m. | Gorilla Village
HOT will host its annual La Celebración, a free community festival featuring food trucks and vendors including Tacos el Gordo and La Sinaloense. Entertainment will include DJ Jace from Audiocrisp Events, dancers from SEK Folkloric, and other local musical acts.
Latin Nights
First Sunday of each month through November | 5 to 9 p.m. | The Greenway, Downtown Pittsburg
These family-friendly gatherings open to everyone highlight Hispanic culture through Latin food trucks, live music, and community activities.
Hispanic Music Festival
Sept. 14 to Oct. 19 | Various campus locations
The Hispanic Music Festival will offer multiple opportunities to explore Hispanic heritage through music. All concerts are free with the exception of the final performance by the SEK Symphony on Oct. 19. Full schedule: events.pittstate.edu/
Additional community events
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Festival Hispano
Saturday, Sept. 6 | 4 to 9 p.m. | St. Mary’s Field House, 213 E. 10th St.
Hosted by Our Lady of Lourdes Hispanic Ministry, this free festival will feature folkloric dances, authentic food, and cultural activities.
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Conjunto Rio Nazas de Durango & Tamborazo Rancho Viejo
Saturday, Sept. 13 | 8 p.m. | Dirty Mule Restaurant & Bar, 134 S. U.S. 69 Hwy.
Admission: $30 at the door.
About Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is observed nationwide from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Established in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson as a week-long celebration and expanded to a month in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan, it recognizes the profound contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States.
The dates were chosen to coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries: Sept. 15 (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua), Sept. 16 (Mexico), Sept. 18 (Chile), and Sept. 21 (Belize).
Latinas and Latinos have played vital roles in American history since the Revolution—as business owners, artists, scientists, athletes, public servants, and more. Hispanic Heritage Month offers an opportunity to celebrate their lasting impact and the integral part Hispanic and Latino communities continue to play in shaping and strengthening our democracy.