TENNESSEE, USA — Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. It celebrates the contributions of Americans with roots in Spain, Central and South America and the Spanish-speaking countries of the Caribbean.
You don't have to travel far to celebrate though. Several organizations are hosting events to enjoy right here in East Tennessee.
Centro Hispano
This Knoxville-based organization is hosting the Latino Awards, which recognizes the work that community members do including the Latino Community Leader Award, the Latino Ally Award and Best Latino Restaurant.
Hola Hora Latina
Hola Hora Latina will host a Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff Ceremony at the Knoxville Museum of Art Tuesday from 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
They will also present its annual Frutos Latinos group art exhibit and competition featuring the works of 18 local and Latin American artists.
During the presentation beginning at 5:30 p.m., the City and County mayors will present their official proclamations of Hispanic Heritage Month, the winners of the Frutos Latinos competition will be announced and rewarded, the student artists who participated in the Astrid Galindo student arts scholarship in May will be announced and awarded, and the HoLa Festival partners will be recognized for their support.
Hola Hora is hosting its 21st annual HoLa Festival at World’s Fair Park Performance Lawn on Sept. 25-26.
The Kick-Off Party is from 4 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, and the HoLa Family Festival is on Sunday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A $1 donation is required at the entry for visitors aged 12 and up. HoLa members enter for free.
HOLA Lakeway
HOLA Lakeway is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexico and Central America’s Independence Day with La Kermes de HOLA Lakeway on Sept. 16 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at 1045 South Cumberland Street in Morristown.
Pellissippi State University
Pellissippi State is hosting a number of lectures and presentations to celebrate throughout the month. Zoom links are available at www.pstcc.edu/events/hispanic-heritage.
"Is ‘Latin’ a Flavor? Food Diversity in Latin America” with Doug Sofer, associate professor of history at Maryville College on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m.
“Why Don’t People Just Wait in Line?” A role-play workshop about how and why people seek life in the U.S., which is co-presented by Pellissippi State alumnus Luis Mata and Associate Professor Katie Morris on Thursday, Sept 16 from 6-7:30 p.m.
“Crime Shows and Latino Representation on TV” with Assistant Professor Mauricio Espinoza from the University of Cincinnati on Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m.
Kukuly Uriarte and her salsa, jazz band Candela in the Hardin Valley Campus Courtyard, 10915 Hardin Valley Road in Knoxville on Thursday, Sept. 23 from 1-3 p.m. Refreshments will be available.
“Don’t Take My Boy: Yellow Journalism and the Zoot-Suit Riots of 1943” with Pellissippi State History Instructor Leslie Coffman on Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m.
“Connecting Campus and Community Using Spanish-Language Conversation Tables” with Pellissippi State Adjunct Instructor Raúl Rivero and colleagues on Tuesday, Oct. 5 from 6-6:45 p.m.
Latino and Hispanic Pellissippi State students and staff share their stories on Thursday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m.