2026 Hispanic Heritage Month at Alvernia

2026 Hispanic Heritage Month at Alvernia

2025 Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 to October 15

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every September to October. The month allows for individuals to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

Why is it Important?

Highlighting the importance of the Hispanic and Latiné community, this next month is dedicated to honoring all the contributions and rich history of Spain and Latin America, promoting inclusion and representation of all the different cultures and triumphs that Hispanics face. It also helps to highlight the diverse traditions and issues faced amongst the community, whether it’s historical or current issues. Educating individuals about these topics and barriers can help dispel typical stereotypes of Hispanic & Latiné people and help to better inform society about this ethnic group.  

Coming to Terms: Hispanic, Latinx, & Latiné

The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. Each year, The National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM) chooses a theme that federal agencies, organizations and schools use when observing the month. This year’s theme is Unidos, Somos Mas. Together, We Are More.

RSO Spotlight: Pura Vida

Pura Vida's mission is to help the Alvernia community understand the political, educational, and social issues that affect the Latiné/Hispanic community by recognizing and supporting Latiné/Hispanic students at Alvernia University.

Get Your Tunes In!

The Office of JEI is looking for song recommendations for a community Spotify playlist! Drop your favorite Spanish songs and songs by Hispanic/Latiné artists by clicking here for a chance to be added to the playlist. The playlist will be shared in the Campus Newsletter!
 

Coming Up at Alvernia

Hispanic Heritage Month Chef Spotlight: Sept. 15, Sept. 28, Oct. 5
  • Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Location: Student Center Dining Hall
  • Description: This Hispanic Heritage Month, we will honor our chefs, whose heritage and creativity inspire dishes that bring people together. 
Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff: Sept. 15
  • Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
  • Location: John R. Post Center
  • Description: Celebrate the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month. This event will include Latin food, games, music, and a game of dominoes. Pick up your Hispanic Heritage Month button at this event. 
Master Class: Flamenco Dancing: Sept. 17
  • Time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Location: Campus Commons Dance Studio
  • Description: The Alvernia Dance Company is happy to bring back a Flamenco Dance class to the Alvernia community! Join Dancer Amanda Pena for a fun night learning new moves among friends. 
Kitchen 101: Empanadas (Registration Required)
  • Date: Monday, September 21
  • Time: 4:00 pm
  • Location: Student Center Dining Hall
  • Description: Calling all students! Learn how you can make empanadas in a fun and engaging environment. Registration is required to participate in this event.
Cafecito & Conversations: Oct. 14
  • Time: 12-2pm
  • Location: Campus Commons Living Room
  • Description: Chill out with good conversation and tasty bites! Enjoy crafts, music, and small treats while engaging in conversations around Hispanic and Latiné culture.
Latinos Unidos
  • Date: Friday, September 25
  • Time: 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
  • Location: Francis Hall
  • Description: This year’s celebration of culture, community, entrepreneurship, and leadership feature incredible cultural cuisine, exciting entertainment, meaningful networking opportunities, and José Martínez as our keynote speaker. Register for free here! 
Cafecito & Conversations (Office of JEI)
  • Date: Wednesday, October 14
  • Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
  • Location: Campus Commons Living Room
  • Description: Chill out with good conversation and tasty bites! Enjoy crafts, music, and small treats while engaging in conversations around Hispanic and Latiné culture.

 

Coming up in Reading

Que Rico Latin Dance Company Taco Tuesdays

Tuesdays | 6:30pm | 500 Penn St, 2nd Floor | $25

El (The) 2nd Annual Boricuazo (Puerto Rican) Gathering: Sept. 19

 1-7pm| GoggleWorks Center for the Arts| FREE

Reading Public Museum Hispanic Heritage Month Community Celebration: Sept. 20

1-4pm | Reading Public Museum | FREE

Berks Cultural Diversity Festival: Sept. 26

12-6pm | City Park, 1044 Washington St, Reading | FREE

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration: Oct. 3

3-8pm| Ewell Plaza and Binns Park, 100 Block N. Queen St, Lancaster | FREE | Joseph Fonseca, Well-known artist from Caguas, PR

Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month: Oct. 4

6-8pm| 201 Washington St., Reading | GoggleWorks | FREE

Greater Reading Immigration Project presents: The Crossing: Oct. 9

4:30-8pm | Reading Film Festival, IMAX Theatre, Reading | $10

Hispanic Heritage Month in Philly: 20+ Events and Fests for 2026

Tap the link to plan your next trip and dive into Hispanic culture in Philadelphia! Live mariachi, salsa dancing, and food that actually makes you taste the culture. These are the experiences you don’t want to miss! 

 

TV/Movie Suggestions

  • A Million Miles Away (Movie on Amazon Prime)  
  • In the Heights (Movie on HBOMax)  
  • Gentefied (TV Show on Netflix)  
  • On My Block (TV Show on Netflix)  
  • Encanto (Movie on Disney+)  
  • The Book of Life (Movie on Disney+)  
  • Selena: The Series (TV Show on Netflix)  
  • Selena: The Movie (Movie on Amazon Prime)  
  • Stand and Deliver (Movie on Tubi)
  • A Class Apart (Documentary on Amazon Prime)

Resources

 

Prepared by the Office of Justice, Equity, & Inclusion

If you are interested in helping to create opportunities to celebrate this occasion and others to come, please email Arielle Phillips-Law, Director of Justice, Equity, and Inclusion, at arielle.phillips@alvernia.edu. We would love to meet and connect with you!

Next Heritage Month: Native American Heritage Month in November. Please share anything that you would like included in our Native American Heritage Month email by October 15, 2026.