Ybor City’s iconic archway lights hang above Seventh Avenue. In the early 1900s, Ybor City was the cigar capital of the world, employing thousands of immigrants from Cuba. | Photo courtesy of City of Tampa
BY GABRIELLA PINOS | WUSF Public Media – WUSF 89.7
TAMPA — Hispanic Heritage Month is underway, kicking off on Sept. 15 across the United States. The celebration honors the contributions, culture, and histories of people whose ancestors come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
A few brief facts
- Sept. 15 marks the independence day for several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico’s independence day is on Sept. 16, while Chile’s is on Sept. 18.
- While Hispanic and Latino are sometimes used interchangeably, it’s important to note that they are not the same thing. The term “Hispanic” refers to people from Spain or a Spanish-speaking country. The term “Latino” refers to people who come from Latin America. This excludes Spain and includes countries that do not primarily speak Spanish, like Haiti and Brazil. Some Latin Americans say both terms are flawed, as they exclude Indigenous and Black communities.
- Tampa Bay has a long history with the Latino community, dating back to Ybor City’s status as the Cuban cigar capital of the world. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 26.2 percent of the population in Tampa in 2022 was Hispanic or Latino.
Many celebrations this month honor both Latino and Hispanic heritage. Here is a list of some of those events, organized by county:
Pinellas County
EMIT Latin Jazz Festival – Concert 1
Features José Valentino & Eternal Power.
Oct. 5 at 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Music Center at St. Petersburg College
6605 Fifth Ave N., St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Advance tickets start at $15. Get them here.
EMIT Latin Jazz Festival – Concert 2
Features Gilberto Garcia & The Latin Knights.
Oct. 6 at 7:30-9:30 p.m.
ArtsXChange at the Warehouse Arts District Association
515 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Advance tickets start at $15. Get them here.
Movida 2023 Mis Raíces: My Identity
Features artist exhibitions, performances, vendors, healing practices and dialogue in the Latin community.
Oct. 7 at 12-5 p.m.
Center for Health Equity
2333 34th St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 3371
Register for free here. You can also attend virtually.
EMIT Latin Jazz Festival – Concert 3
Featuring Dimas Sánchez & the Afro Latin Project.
Oct. 7 at 7:30-9:30 p.m.
ArtsXChange at the Warehouse Arts District Association
515 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Advance tickets start at $15. Get them here.
Hillsborough County
Hispanic Heritage Luncheon: Progress. Power. Prosperity
Hosted by the Tampa Bay Latin Chamber of Commerce, the luncheon will feature Mayor Jane Castor and Brig. Gen. Hector Pagan as guest speakers.
Oct. 12 at 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Columbia Restaurant
2117 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, FL 33605
Advance tickets start at $45 for non-members of the chamber. Get them here.
Hispanic Heritage Month 5K Run and Walk – Brandon
Oct. 14 at 7 a.m.
Fleet Feet Brandon
1934 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, FL 33596
Register for free here. Under “Team” select Latinos Run Tampa, and under “Location” select Brandon. There is an option for a virtual run as well.
5th Annual Ford Taste of Latino Festival
The festival will be held on three city streets and in Centennial Park in Ybor City. Features live music and free salsa dance lessons.
Oct. 15 at 12-5 p.m.
Centennial Park
1800 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa, FL 33605
Register for free here.
Sarasota County
Calle 54 with Roberto Jiménez
A showing of “Calle 54,” a documentary by Madrid-based filmmaker Fernando Trueba about the world of Latin jazz. There will be a talk back with USF professor Roberto Jiménez after the film.
Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling
5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243
Tickets start at $20 for adults and $10 for students with ID. Get them here.
Hernando County
Multicultural Parade and Festival
The parade begins at 11 a.m. in downtown Brooksville. A festival featuring food vendors, live music and art will follow.
Oct. 7 at 11 a.m.
205 E. Fort Dade Ave., Brooksville, FL, 34601
This event is free.
