JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off Sept. 15, and Northeast Florida residents are invited to celebrate and embrace the diversity of Hispanic culture at several events across the area.
This year, the 904 will go all out to celebrate the Hispanic community with concerts, family activities, educational opportunities, and of course — plenty of delicious food!
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To make sure you don’t miss out on this year’s fun events, News4JAX has compiled a list of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.
But, before you jump to the list, let’s talk about the reason why this month starts on the 15th and not on the first day of the month.
Hispanic Heritage Month starts on Sept. 15 because that day is the anniversary of independence for many Latin American countries including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico celebrates its independence on Sept. 16. and Chile on Sept. 18.
But don’t worry, the celebration of the Hispanic community does last one full month, as it ends on Oct. 15.
Now, let’s take a look at the fun and vibrant events taking place across Northeast Florida.
Hispanic Heritage Month Concert at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier - Sept. 18
The St. Johns Cultural Council will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month at the St. Augustine Beach pier with a free performance by the 10-piece salsa band LPT.
Bring your dancing shoes and get ready to dance on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. to the rhythm of LPT. Address: 350 A1A Beach Boulevard in St. Augustine Beach.
Concerts in the Plaza in St. Augustine - Sept. 19 & Sept. 26
St. Augustine’s free summer-long music series “Concerts in the Plaza” was extended to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
According to the city of St. Augustine, these performances were planned as part of the 100th anniversary celebration of the City of St. Augustine’s relationship with Avilés, Spain, as well as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.
The first concert will take place on Sept. 19 at the Plaza de la Constitución.
Cary the Day and Edwin Barbosa will perform Spanish Pop/Rock with Latin Jazz and Flamenco Influence.
According to the city, Barbosa was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to Florida when he was 18. His experiences from both the island and Florida have influenced his music in a way that has helped him blend Spanish music with English music. Throughout the performance, you will be treated to Modern Spanish Pop/Rock/Jazz with Traditional Flamenco undertones.
Then, on Sept. 26, ZaZa Flamenca will perform progressive music influenced by Gypsy Jazz, French Music, Flamenco, and Latin VIbes -- in 10 different languages!
Both concerts begin at 6 p.m. Address: 170 St George Street in St. Augustine. For more information visit this website.
Together: The Vibrant Colors of Hispanic Heritage - Sept. 28
Embrace diversity, unity and growth within the Hispanic community at the Museum of Science & History, also known as MOSH, in Jacksonville.
This event will be held on Sept. 28 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and it will feature live entertainment, discussion panels, local Hispanic-owned small businesses, vendors, and art. Tickets are $45 for adults and $30 for children. Click here for ticket information.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Series: Mexico & Central America - Sept. 21
Florida Blue will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month all month!
The Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Series will start on Sept. 21, with festivities showcasing Central American and Mexican culture.
This event will feature family-friendly activities, traditional dances and music, and a wide variety of delicious traditional foods from Central America and Mexico.
This celebration will be held from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Florida Blue Center at 4855 Town Center Parkway in Jacksonville. Click here to RSVP.
Hispanic Heritage Month concert at JU - Sept. 26
The Hispanic Latino Student Association will collaborate with the Linda Berry Stein College of Fine Arts & Humanities in a student-led musical celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
The concert will be held on Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m. at JU’s Terry Concert Hall. Address: 2764 University Blvd N. in Jacksonville.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Series: Caribbean - Sept. 28
Florida Blue will continue its Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Series on Sept. 28 as it highlights the diverse cultures of the Caribbean including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago.
This celebration will be held from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Florida Blue Center at 4855 Town Center Parkway in Jacksonville. Click here to RSVP.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Series: South America - Oct. 5
Florida Blue will continue the celebrations with an event dedicated to South American countries like Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Venezuela.
Just like every weekend, attendees will be able to enjoy traditional food, dances and family-friendly activities.
The celebration for South America will be held on Oct. 5 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Florida Blue Center at 4855 Town Center Parkway in Jacksonville. Click here to RSVP.
Viva la Fiesta Jax - Oct. 12
Jacksonville’s Latin festival “Viva la Fiesta Jax” returns this year with music, food, and dozens of Hispanic vendors who will be showcasing a variety of products.
The 6th annual Viva la Fiesta Jax is a free, family-friendly event and will be held Oct. 12 from 4 to 10 p.m. at James Weldon Johnson Park.
Salsa sensation Frankie Negron will be performing at this event. Spoiler alert: Attendees are guaranteed to have a blast!
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Series: All Cultures - Oct. 12
Florida Blue will end its Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Series with an event focused on all Hispanic cultures!
This will be one grand celebration of the vibrant cultures of Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. You cannot miss it!
Please note that this event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 12 at the Florida Blue Center at 4855 Town Center Parkway in Jacksonville. Click here to RSVP.
Did we miss an event? Email WebTeam@wjxt.com to have your event added to our list.