Buffalo Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

It’s officially Hispanic Heritage Month, and right here in Buffalo and Western New York, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate, learn, connect and experience the culture.

Every year from September 15 through October 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

The celebration has some history behind it, too. What we now know as Hispanic Heritage Month began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation expanding the observance to 30 days.

The September 15 start date also carries major significance. It marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, followed by Mexico's Independence Day on September 16 and Chile's on September 18.

But what does the celebration look like right here at home?

According to the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York, the organization works to preserve the history of Hispanics in Western New York while recognizing the contributions Hispanic and Latino communities continue to make throughout our region.

And this year, they are giving us plenty of ways to celebrate.

The 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month Event Schedule runs September 15 through October 15 under the theme, “Sharing the future together! Unidos Somos Mas. Together, We are more.”

Hispanic Heritage Month Event Schedule

Events are happening all over Buffalo. The month kicked off September 15 at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library and continues with Salsa for a Cure at Pucho’s Social Club on September 18, a Holy Cross R.C. Mass Celebration on September 20, Roswell Park’s Hispanic Heritage Month event on September 22, and a 100th Centennial Celebration at Herman Badillo Bilingual Academy on September 25.

Buffalo State University is getting in on the celebration with programming throughout the month, including poetry, Latin dance, cultural assemblies and the Zarzuela Gala on October 15.

The celebration continues in October with Fiesta del Encanto at Kleinhans Music Hall on October 3, cooking lessons at the Buffalo Museum of Science on October 4, the Hispanic Heritage Awards on October 5, and a Hispanic Heritage Celebration at Explore & More on October 9.

What I love most about Hispanic Heritage Month is that it’s not JUST about attending an event. It’s an opportunity to learn the history, experience the culture and celebrate the people who have helped shape the community we call home.

Western New York’s Hispanic and Latino communities are an important part of Buffalo’s past, present and future. So whether you attend an event, learn something new, support a Hispanic-owned business or simply take the time to better understand the culture, there are plenty of ways to celebrate.

Because when we celebrate Buffalo, we should be celebrating all of Buffalo.

For the complete calendar, additional events and information about Hispanic Heritage Month in Western New York, visit the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York.