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 36th 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 36th 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 15, 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 02907
- +Hispanic Heritage Month | Closing Event
- Join us as we close our celebration on Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 4-6pm.
Location: Casa Azúl, 850 Allens Avenue. Providence 02905Live music by Giancarlo Buscaglia
Tickets: $25 pp. Sales will open in September
- +September 14
Saturday, September 14 2024
Grand Opening | Celebration
50 Agnes Street
Providence, RI 02909
4:00 to 6:00 pm
Open studio tours and crafts. How We Got Here | Cómo Llegamos Aquí. The exhibit commemorates both the beginning of Latino Heritage Month and Guatemala’s Independence Day.
Admission is FREE.
- +September 14
Saturday, September 14 2024
Grand Opening | Celebration
50 Agnes Street
Providence, RI 02909
4:00 to 6:00 pm
Open studio tours and crafts. How We Got Here | Cómo Llegamos Aquí. The exhibit commemorates both the beginning of Latino Heritage Month and Guatemala’s Independence Day.
Admission is FREE.
- +Rhode Island's 46th Annual Heritage Festival
Saturday, September 21 2024
WaterFire Arts Center
475 Valley St, Providence
12:00 to 5:00 pm
Admission to this family event is FREE.Explore the World Through Art and Music at Rhode Island's 46th Annual Heritage Festival!
Enjoy traditional foods from local vendors, explore cultural exhibits, and bring the kids for fun activities like face painting and crafts. The festivities begin with a parade of international flags at 11:50 AM
Contact: Donna Alqassar
Phone: (401) 222-4133
Email: Donna Alquasssar
Website: https://preservation.ri.gov/heritage/46th-ri-heritage-festival



