Hispanic Heritage Month (or Latinx/e Heritage Month as we refer to it) is a month-long celebration of Latinx/e history and culture. While we celebrate Latinx/e communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more (National Museum of American Latino).
Latinx/e Heritage Month does not cover one single month but instead begins in the middle of September and ends in the middle of October. The timeframe of this month is significant because many Central American countries celebrate their independence days within these dates, beginning on September 15 with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. By aligning with these independence dates, Latinx/e Heritage Month honors the resilience and determination of the Latine community. Key Independence Days celebrated include:
- September 15 - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua
- September 16 – Mexico
- September 18 – Chile
- September 21 - Belize
Learn more about the unique Latin Independence Days traditions and celebrations and about Hispanic Heritage Month | National Museum of the American Latino.
Join our events!
Latine Heritage Month Kick-Off
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 11:15 a.m. to 12:35 p.m.
Location: SMC Main Campus Quad
Description: Celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Latine communities.
Featuring Aztec dancers, Lotería, guest speakers, hair braiding, and resource tables,
the event creates opportunities for connection, learning, and celebration across campus.
*Lunch provided*
Latine in the House! Supporting Latine Student Success
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Student Equity Center (Cayton Lower Level, MPR/Room 10)
Description: Join us for a platica on the Latine educational pipeline and engage with SMC's student mattering data from
the 2025 NACCC survey.
*Lunch provided*
Culture in the Ring
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Time: 11:15 a.m. to 12:35 p.m.
Location: SMC Main Campus Quad
Description: Join us for Live Lucha Libre! Celebrate the iconic Mexican wrestling tradition and
its blend of athletics, folklore, and performance art! Featuring two matches, this
event brings the campus community together to engage with and celebrate Latin culture.
Face Painting: 10 to 11 a.m.
Come early & get your lucha-inspired look!
Identity, Culture and the Power Within
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 11:15 a.m. to 12:35 p.m.
Location: SSC 391, Staff Lounge
Description: The Annual Latine Mixer brings SMC students, staff, and faculty together to connect,
share experiences, and celebrate the vibrant Latine community.
*Appetizers provided*
2026 -2027 Committee Members: Emily Chavez, Valeria Garcia, Julyssa Guevara, Maria Martinez, Jacqueline Monge, Sara Nieves-Lucas, Gladys Preciado, and Alberto Romero.
Many thanks to the sponsors who contributed and supported Latine Heritage Month at SMC: Art Department, Basic Needs, Black Collegians Program/Umoja Community, Center for Wellness and Wellbeing, Community and Academic Relations, Counseling, Cosmetology Department, Division of Equity, Pathways, and Inclusion, Events Department, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services, Latinx Collective, Latino Center/Adelante Program, Library, Maintenance and Operations Department, Reprographics, SMC Marketing, and Student Equity Center.