Traditional dancing in Tubac, Az (©Sara Meier/Flickr)

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 every year as a month to appreciate and learn about Hispanic culture. 

Celebrating Hispanic Culture in the US

In the United States, 18.5% of the population identifies as Hispanic, which is 60.49 million people. This is the second-largest population group in the US. Hispanic culture has positively impacted the culture of America through food, art, architecture, celebrations, and more. This is all the reason to celebrate the Hispanic culture and learn more while doing it! 

Here are some of the best group destinations in the US for National Hispanic Heritage Month:

Immerse Your Group in the cultural town of Tubac, Arizona 

Tubac is located just 30 minutes from the border, in the Santa Cruz River Valley. This small town is surrounded by mountains and is a beautiful destination for a group escape to soak in Hispanic culture. They have many celebrations and festivals with traditional Hispanic food and art. From handcrafted art pottery to enjoying the traditional Spanish architecture, this city is filled with authentic character everywhere you turn.

(©NHCC)

Visit The National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico 

Explore everything Hispanic heritage-related at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque. It is a museum that preserves and celebrates the culture and has a center with events, workshops, performances, and more. With so many options in one destination, this cultural center is ideal for group trips. There is even a genealogy center where people can trace Hispanic ancestry and lineage.

Enjoy sightseeing in El Paso, Texas 

El Paso is a city on the border of Mexico and Texas, so it has a vibrant history and culture. They have several historical sites that are great for learning about the Mexican-American heritage of the area. There is the Chamizal National Monument, where your group can learn about the change of the Rio Grande River and historical land disputes. 

There are also two museums great for groups to visit in El Paso rich in Hispanic culture: The El Paso Museum of History and the El Paso Museum of Art. You can also walk the Mission Trail and learn about Spanish missions and their impact on local culture and history. There are even guided tours which is a great group activity to learn together.

Attend a Hispanic Heritage Festival 

There are many communities that are hosting Hispanic Heritage Festivals for various regions. This year, Naperville, Illinois, hosted its first-ever Hispanic Heritage Festival. Dayton, Ohio, is hosting one at RiverScape, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania,  hosted one as well. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has Fiestas de Las Americas attracting over 20,000 people and is in its 14th year. In Seattle, Washington, they host the Sea Mar Fiestas, which includes a parade! Many towns are now hosting celebrations to give back to the local community and gather people for a fun day of learning and culture, so check your local areas to see if there are any near you or your destination. 

Learn About West Coast Impacts Of Hispanic Culture 

The National Chavez Center in Kenne, California, is an informative place to learn the history of the Civil Rights era. Cesar Chavez led the civil rights movement for Latino Americans and especially farmworkers in the west while Martin Luther King, Jr. led African Americans in the South. Located north of Los Angeles, a visit to this center could also be paired with exploring the Mexican market, Olvera Street, one of Los Angeles’s oldest parts. 

Additional Location Ideas

These are just a few ideas of cultural places to experience, embrace, learn, and celebrate Hispanic culture and all its impacts. There are many other places in the US group travelers could visit, such as the Smithsonian Latino Center in Washington DC, Chicano Park in San Diego, or The Freedom Tower in Miami. Join us on Facebook or Instagram this week for additional group destinations perfect for Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond.