Why do we still celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
Rhode Island Latino Arts was founded in 1988 as the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee, and it has not only become our signature event, but each year it marks another passing year of our story. Or better put, of YOUR story.
So why, after all these years, do you still celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
The answer is because if we don’t tell our story, someone else will. If we don’t shape our narrative, express our Latino/Latina/Latinx pride in our way, no one else will. Now is time to start telling our own stories and stop being a behind-the-scene player or even worse, passive participants. It is time to take the stage.
As we enter our 38th anniversary, we simply ask this: all those who identify as Latino/Latino/Latinx to take it upon yourselves to tell your story, because it becomes your narrative and in time our narrative. Make it a story that can foster opportunities and shine a light upon positive contributions.
People, allies, gente in the media, you have a greater responsibility: to ensure you are telling our stories the way they should be told and supporting all of us in times when we cannot afford to let anyone else tell it for us. Our contributions are valuable; we are a significant part of the now and future of this nation. Our economic, cultural and intellectual impact is and will continue to be strong and must be acknowledged.
Let us know how we can help, and be sure to register your event to be listed on our calendar page.
¡Adelante!
So why, after all these years, do you still celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
The answer is because if we don’t tell our story, someone else will. If we don’t shape our narrative, express our Latino/Latina/Latinx pride in our way, no one else will. Now is time to start telling our own stories and stop being a behind-the-scene player or even worse, passive participants. It is time to take the stage.
As we enter our 38th anniversary, we simply ask this: all those who identify as Latino/Latino/Latinx to take it upon yourselves to tell your story, because it becomes your narrative and in time our narrative. Make it a story that can foster opportunities and shine a light upon positive contributions.
People, allies, gente in the media, you have a greater responsibility: to ensure you are telling our stories the way they should be told and supporting all of us in times when we cannot afford to let anyone else tell it for us. Our contributions are valuable; we are a significant part of the now and future of this nation. Our economic, cultural and intellectual impact is and will continue to be strong and must be acknowledged.
Let us know how we can help, and be sure to register your event to be listed on our calendar page.
¡Adelante!
- +Hispanic Heritage Month | Kick-Off
Celebrate with us on Tuesday, September 16, 2026 from 5:30-7pm as we kick-off Hispanic Heritage Month, RILA's original name and our signature celebration.
Location: Galería del Barrio, Southside Cultural Center, 393 Broad Street. Providence 02907The exhibit will be on display through Hispanic Heritage Month.
It' FREE and open to the public. Click here for more details about the exhibit ▶
- +Tuesday | September 15
- Did you know that the Dominican Republic was the only country to open their doors to Jews during the Holocaust?!
We are honored to host Marion Kaplan, author of The Dominican Haven, for a special presentation exploring the Dominican Republic’s role in providing refuge to Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution during the Holocaust.
We would love to have you join us for this meaningful program. An interpreter will be available at the event.
Location: Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center
401 Elmgrove Ave. Providence, RI 02906
- +Hispanic Heritage Month | Closing Event
Join us as we close our celebration on Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 4-6pm.
Location: Casa Azúl Taquería, 850 Allens Avenue. Providence 02905
Event Sponsors With appreciation
