Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in the Middle of Everything
Sep 09, 2024 • Arts, Culture & History
Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the rich cultural tapestry of the Hispanic community, which includes people of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican, and various Central and South American descent.
Recognizing this diversity helps foster a sense of inclusion and belonging among Illinois residents and visitors alike.
Hispanic Heritage Month is important to Illinois because it allows the state to honor its Hispanic residents, their contributions, and their cultural heritage. It promotes diversity, education, and inclusivity, contributing to the overall enrichment and well-being of the state's population. Plus, it offers educational opportunities to learn about the history, traditions, and achievements of the Hispanic community. Schools, colleges, and cultural institutions often organize events and programs that increase awareness and appreciation of Hispanic culture and heritage.
Take a look at our guide on how to celebrate HHM and find events, Illinois Makers, and more to help honor and support the community during this important month of the year.
Hispanic Heritage Month Events in Illinois
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Chicago International Latino Theater Festival (Chicago)
Destinos, the 7th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, Chicago’s annual citywide festival showcasing Latino theater artists and companies from Chicago, the U.S., and Latin America is returning this year. Each fall, Destinos is a cultural high point of Chicago’s Latino Heritage Month and is produced by the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA) and is presented annually to drive Chicago’s vibrant Latino theater scene to a more prominent level locally, nationally, and internationally.
Dates: Multiple show dates from September 30th - November 17th, 2024.
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Kewanee Hispanic Heritage Celebration (Kewanee)
Please join us at the Kewanee Hispanic Heritage Celebration as we celebrate and bring awareness of the different countries that gained their independence during Hispanic Heritage month. There will be food, music, and much more!
Date: September 28th, 2024, 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
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Hispanic Chamber & Project Now 3rd Annual Block Party (Quad Cities)
Mark your calendars for the Hispanic Chamber & Project Now 3rd Annual Block Party! This family-friendly event features local vendors, free books, a bounce house, and arts and crafts, offering a fun-filled day for all to enjoy with friends and family.
Date: October 15th, 2024 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC) Annual Business Conference & Expo (Chicago)
The IHCC Annual Business Conference & Expo is an event that provides a platform to introduce your business to the Hispanic market. It is the perfect occasion to cultivate enduring relationships with prospective clients and exhibit your service, product or business. You will also have the chance to listen to a variety of keynote speakers and increase your professional network and sales.
Date: October 3rd, 2024 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Immersed in Hispanic Cultural Heritage
CHICAGO & ROCKFORD
Take a road trip and discover more ways to celebrate Hispanic culture!
Community Treasures with a Latino Flavor
PEORIA & THE QUAD CITIES
Celebrate Hispanic cultural identity with these vibrant destinations!
Chicago's Latino Neighborhoods
What to see and what to eat – from Pilsen to Humboldt Park
Latinos make up the second-largest ethnic group in Chicago, so it should come as no surprise that Chicago is also home to some of the most vibrant Latino communities in the country. From Pilsen/Little Village to Humboldt Park, here’s a look at where to eat— and what to see— in these culturally rich neighborhoods.
Meet Hispanic Illinois Makers
Aracely’s Bakery
Established in 1982, the bakery has grown and flourished to what it is today. It started with a young couples' dreams and continues to be a family-owned business. They provide daily pastries, cakes, and breads that are made with plenty of love.
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Funky Rooster Tattoo
Funky Rooster Tattoo and Art Gallery is a hip and colorful custom tattoo shop with licensed professionals who takes great pride in their clean and friendly environment. The artists are dedicated to the quality of their tattoos.
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Atrevete Confections
Inspired pastries & confections are made from scratch daily at this delicious destination in the historic riverside Village of Montgomery, Illinois. They serve up magnificent croissants, gateaux, cheesecakes, and signature confections.
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Kombucha Brava LLC
In 2016, the owners made a radical change in their careers and decided to start a business that would truly express their passions and talents. Kombucha Brava offers artisanal kombucha, fermented in oak barrels with organic ingredients.
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Warm Wick
Warm Wick in Brookfield has garnered a loyal following for their Latin-inspired natural soy wax candles. Each product was inspired by Latinx heritage, culture, traditions, food and nature. You can shop for the eco-friendly candles in store or online.
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Yeni’s Palarte Mexican Ice Cream
Beloved Mexican ice cream shop that offers delicious ice cream and smoothies, including keto-friendly, dairy-free and water-based options. They offer a variety of unique flavors such as grape, queso, blackberry, lavender, and many more.
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Cafe Tola
A blending of delicacies in a Lakeview venue with colorful Mexican pizzazz and an adventurous menu of daily crafted homemade empanadas and wickedly delicious coffees guaranteed to rock your world.
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Three Rivers Farm
Amy Cloud, Jose Lara and their two children, Diego and Lydia, own and operate Three Rivers Community Farm. Their farm is known for their sweet carrots; colorful, flavorful varieties of lettuce; and unique mixes of cherry tomatoes.
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Black Dog Gelato
Black Dog Gelato in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village has been serving authentic gelato since 2010. Choose from daily-churned flavors, from classic vanilla and hazelnut to unique options like "Goat Cheese Cashew Caramel", with dairy-free choices available.
Learn MoreCultural Institutions
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
Chicago's National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture in Humboldt Park is the only year-round museum of its kind. During Hispanic Heritage Month, visit the "liminal: LGBTQ+ Chicago - Boricua Imaginings" exhibit.
The National Puerto Rican Museum Chicago
The Ethnic Heritage Museum
The Ethnic Heritage Museum in Rockford honors the six nationalities that shaped the city’s culture. The Hispanic Gallery features artifacts, art, and vintage clothing, showcasing traditions that helped build Rockford.
Ethnic Heritage Museum
The Contemporary Art Center of Peoria
The Contemporary Art Center of Peoria hosts salsa dancing lessons every third Thursday of the month. You can learn the basics of several Latin Dances and then enjoy open dancing to music from a DJ immediately following.
Contemporary Art Center of Peoria
The National Museum of Mexican Art
One of the largest Latino cultural institutions in the U.S., the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, opens its Día de Muertos exhibit on 9/20. The exhibit honors the late Chicago muralist Ray Patlán.
The National Museum of Mexican Art
The Mexican Cultural Center DuPage
This attraction in Oak Brook promotes Mexican heritage through cultural activities. During Hispanic Heritage Month, explore "Olmec Trails: Culture and Legacy," an outdoor exhibit showcasing 33 artists' work across DuPage County.
The Mexican Cultural Center DuPage
Casa de Arte
Casa de Arte in Peoria is a lounge, art gallery and Mexican restaurant. You can sip on tequila and eat tacos while viewing some impressive pieces of Mexican art. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of one of the artists.
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