Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15 to October 15, 2025, please join the City of Lake Oswego in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! The theme for 2025 is “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future” which recognizes the deep cultural traditions and achievements of Hispanic communities while looking forward to the creativity and promise of future generations.
Visit United States Census and National Today for more information on Hispanic Heritage Month! Continue reading for some interesting facts on Hispanic and Latin American community,
- The Hispanic population of the United States is 63.7 million, making it the largest racial minority.
- There are 13 states with one million or more Hispanic residents in 2022, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington.
- 14% of Oregon’s population is Hispanic and Latino, which makes it the fastest growing racial demographic in the state of Oregon.
History
Do you know the difference between Hispanic/Latino/e? Learn about various terms and their meaning.
Interested in learning more about Oregon’s history in relation to Latino communities? Check out this essay, "Latinos in Oregon" Oregon Encyclopedia
Celebrations and Activities
Spanish Language Story and Play
Sunday, September 20, from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m., at the Lake Oswego Public Library
This event repeats every month on the third Saturday. Juliet from Adventures in Spanish will present stories and songs in Spanish for children and their caregivers. The half hour program is recommended for ages 0-5 years. his program is sponsored by the Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library and admission is free. The Lake Oswego Public Library is located at 706 Fourth Street, Lake Oswego. For more information, contact the Children’s desk at 503-697-6580 or visit the Library’s website at www.lopl.org/youth
Fiesta en el Parque
Saturday, September 13, from 12 to 4 p.m., at North Clackamas Park - 5440 SE Kellogg Creek Dr., Milwaukie
This community event features live musical performances, food vendors, artisan stalls, interactive cultural booths and games such as Loteria, intended for family participation. Admission is free!
El Festival de Mariachi
Sunday, September 21, from 12 to 6 p.m., at Hillsboro Ballpark - 4460 NE Century Blvd., Hillsboro OR
This annual event brings together mariachi ensembles, folkloric dance troupes, artisan displays and cultural performances for a vibrant and inclusive family-friendly festival.
Binational Health Week Bilingual Resource Fair
Presented by Centro Cultural & the Consulate of Mexico in Portland In partnership with the Mexican Consulate, the Binational Health Week Resource Fair provides bilingual and culturally-specific health resources to Latino and Spanish-speaking community members. Event start and end times to be determined. For inquiries about sponsorship, tabling, or other questions, email Events@CentroCultural.org.
Celebrating Mexican Heritage through Charreria:
September 4-27
Stelo - 412 NW 8th Ave. Portland OR 97209
Stelo presents an exhibition by Oliver Casillas and Ines Magana that explores the cultural practice of charreria (a Mexican equestrian tradition) through immersive murals and photography.
Milagro Theater: Worry Dolls
September 5-21
El Centro Milagro - 537 SE Stark St. Portland OR 97214
"Worry Dolls", a new play by Maya Malan-Gonzalez examines adolescent anxiety and grief through the symbolic lens of Guatemalan worry dolls. Special events include a playwright talkback at 2pm Sunday Sept 7 and a mental health expert talkback at 2pm, Sunday, Sept 14th.
El Grito Ryde
September 13, at 6:15 p.m., at Salmon Street Springs, 1000 SW Naito
Cycle Homies hosts a themed cycling event emphasizing cumbia music and dance culture, concluding with a dance lesson led by Anita Ayala from Lines Dance Academy. For more information check @Cylcehomies Instagram Page.
The Immigrant Story Live
The Immigrant Story features four migrants sharing their personal narratives reflecting on belonging and identity, followed by live mariachi and folkloric dance to connect audience and culture through performance.
Friday, September 13, 7 p.m., at Portland Center Stage: At the Armory - 128 NW Ave. Portland
El Grito Portland 2025
Saturday, September 14, from 1 to 10 p.m., and Sunday, September 15, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., at Rose Quarter Commons, 1 North Center Court St. Portland
Portland's El Grito returns as a two-day community festival combining traditional performances, cultural displays, food vendors and a ceremonial reenactment of the historic call to independence.
Nuestra Cultura: JUNTOSPDX
Sunday, September 21, location shared with registered guests; sliding scale tickets.
JUNTOSpdx returns with its fourth annual block-party-style festival, spotlighting Latino heritage through a mix of visual art installations, food offerings, low-rider car displays, an artisan vendor market and family-friendly craft experiences.
Portland Latin American Film Festival
September 24 through November 12 - Hollywood Theater - 4122 NE Sandy Blvd.
In its 19th iteration, this festival presents 11 feature films and one short, showcasing narratives and perspectives from across Latin American meant to illuminate social and cultural realties through cinema.