Even though here at Floricua we celebrate the Hispanic community every day, we still look forward to all the fun events that uplift the culture, food, music, and history of Florida’s diverse and vibrant Hispanic communities during Hispanic Heritage Month, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Here are some of the exciting Hispanic Heritage events happening around Florida this year:
Orlando
Art and Dominoes Exhibition
Orlando City Hall’s Terrace Gallery
400 South Orange Ave., Orlando
Now to Nov. 13
The exhibition highlights the important roles of art and the sport of dominoes within Hispanic culture, including historical dominoes, domino game tables, custom and handmade domino pieces, and art dedicated to playing dominoes.
¡Hola History!
Osceola County Welcome Center & History Museum
4155 W. Vine Street, Kissimmee
Now to Dec. 31
Created in partnership with the Osceola County Historical Society, this new exhibit showcases the stories, achievements and impact of our Latin American community on Central Florida’s growth, from early settler days to modern times.
Diego el Cigala: Obras Maestras
https://www.drphillipscenter.org/events/tickets/2023/diego-el-cigala/
Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
445 South Magnolia Ave., Orlando
Oct. 1, 8 p.m.
The Grammy-winning flamenco artist originally from Madrid is known for exploring a variety of Latin musical genres and creating flamenco fusion albums, such as “Lágrimas Negas” with Cuban jazz pianist Bebo Valdés.
Orlando Salsa Festival
Amway Center
400 W Church St., Orlando
Sept. 22, 8 p.m.
If you love salsa, you can’t miss this event featuring Willie Colón and El Gran Combo.
Noche de Sabor
Museum of Illusions at ICON Park
8441 International Dr., Orlando
Sept. 30, 6-9 p.m.
At this adults-only fiesta, you can dance the night away to Latin rhythms and contemporary beats while you explore the mind-bending world of the Museum of Illusions, and enjoy a complimentary spin on The Wheel at ICON Park.
Miami
La Mano Hispana
Milander Center for Arts & Entertainment
4800 Palm Ave., Hialeah
Now – Oct. 20
This collective art exhibit, presented by the City of Hialeah and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, celebrates Hispanic culture with works by artists from various Latin American countries.
Hispanic Heritage Concert Celebration
Miami-Dade County Auditorium
2901 Flagler St., Miami
Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m.
This free performance by the Alhambra Orchestra will perform Spanish and Spanish-inspired masterpieces, including Maurice Ravel’s “Bolero,” Manuel de Falla’s “Ritual Fire Dance” and Arturo Márquez’s “Danzón No. 2.” The evening will also include performances by the Doral Symphony Orchestra with singers Manuel Arvelaiz and Roque Cedeño.
Tito Puente Jr. Concert
Collins Plaza
2200 Liberty Ave., Miami Beach
Sept. 24, 5-7 p.m.
Presented by the Global Arts Project and Artscape, this free concert by Tito Puente Jr. and his Latin Jazz Ensemble will include free salsa lessons.
Tampa
Viva Tampa Bay Hispanic Heritage Festival
Perry Harvey Sr. Park
900 East Scott St., Tampa
Sept. 28
This festival will offer Latin food, festivities and local band performances, while also recognizing influential Hispanic community leaders and awarding scholarships to high school students. Funds raised will go to disaster relief through Course of Action Foundation, helping impacted communities in Tampa, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, North Florida, South America, and most recently Ukraine.
Spanish Nights
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa
Sept. 22, 8 p.m.; Sept. 24, 2 p.m.
Hosted by Opera Tampa, this event features music from Spain, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and more.
Rumba en Clearwater
Coachman Park
300 Cleveland St., Clearwater
Sept. 23, 6-10 p.m.
This event will feature dance lessons, Mexican cuisine, and live performances from Najibo and Mariachi Guadalupe.
The Cuban Sandwich: A History in Layers
The Dalí
One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg
Sept. 28, 6-7 p.m.
Authors Andrew T. Huse, Bárbara C. Cruz, and Jeff Houck will discuss the history of this popular dish. The event includes a special Cuban sandwich tasting.
FORD’s Taste of Latino Festival
Centennial Park, Ybor City
Oct. 15, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Bring your lawn chair to this free family event to enjoy a day filled with live music, dance performances, and food. Florida Latino leaders will be recognized and awarded on stage, and there will be a TOP Latino Chef contest, as well as a closing ceremony for the 2023 Hispanic Heritage season. Taste of Latino Festivals will be taking place in other Florida cities as well. Click on the link above for more information.
Jacksonville
Together
Museum of Science and History (MOSH)
1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville
Sept. 23, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Presented by the MOSH Passport Series, in partnership with First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by Florida Humanities, Together is a day-long opportunity to celebrate and learn about the arts, culture, and history of Jacksonville’s Hispanic communities. The event will feature vendors including local Hispanic business owners, panel discussions with local Hispanic artists, the opportunity to try cuisine from a variety of countries, and a rooftop party in the evening with dancing, tapas, and a cash bar.
Crystal Harlan Crystal is a bilingual editor and writer with over 20 years of experience in digital and print media. She is currently based in Florida, but has lived in small towns in the Midwest, Caracas, New York City, and Madrid, where she earned her MA in Spanish literature.
