Hispanic Heritage Month Calendar of Events

2026 Theme: “UNIDOS, SOMOS MAS.” “TOGETHER, WE ARE MORE.”

Scheduled Events & Descriptions

Tuesday, 9/15 – First Gen Hispanic Americans: The Children of Immigrants (MAC Approved)

Host: Xochitl Martinez & Sofia Khan

Location: Sarah and Daniel Opperman Auditorium, Park Library

Time: 6pm

Description: Join us for a student panel featuring CMU students who are First-Generation Hispanic Americans as they share their experiences growing up with immigrant parents. Student panelists will discuss their personal journeys and the unique experiences of growing up in an immigrant family. The event will also bring awareness to challenges that they may encounter, including language barriers, cultural differences, family expectations, and the pressure to succeed.

Thursday, 9/17 – The Pulsera Project: Making an Impact on Central America’s Employment and Education through Art (MAC Approved)

Host: Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc.

Location: CSID, Bovee UC 108

Time: 6pm

Description: Join us to learn about the Pulsera Project, an organization that connects students with colorful, handmade bracelets created by artists in Central America. This event will provide students with an opportunity to learn more about the organization’s mission, philanthropy, and efforts to support artists and communities.

Sunday, 9/20 – Welcome Back Carne Asada

Host: Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers & Empowered Latino Union

Location: Small Sports Forum, Student Activities Center (SAC)

Time: 12pm – 4pm

Description: Join us for a carne asada as we come together to warmly welcome back both returning and new Latino/a/x/e students to campus. This inclusive event promises a delightful array of activities, vibrant music, and the chance to connect with fellow students, including members of SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers), ELU (Empowered Latino Union), and many others. Let's celebrate our diverse community and create lasting connections in a fun and engaging environment.

Wednesday, 9/23 – Borikén: Taíno Survival and Puerto Rico’s Colonial Reality (MAC Approved)

Host: Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc.

Location: Sarah and Daniel Opperman Auditorium, Park Library

Time: 6pm

Description: This event is meant to educate about Taino culture and the colonial history of Puerto Rico. It will also explore how that past continues to mold Puerto Rican identity and political power today. Finally, it will encourage critical thinking about cultural survival, U.S. territorial control, and self-determination within the context of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Thursday, 9/24 – Threads of El Corazón (MAC Approved)

Host: Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc.

Location: UC Auditorium, Bovee UC 302

Time: 4pm

Description: This event will showcase fashion from different regions of South America, featuring textiles and clothing from both past decades and the present. It will highlight traditional dance attire and demonstrate the influence of other cultures in our regions. We will display clothes and fabrics for viewing and potentially host an activity where participants can create pieces that express their culture and identity—after all, fashion is about self-expression.

Tuesday, 9/29 – Annual Tortilla Making Event

Host: Prospanica: Association of Hispanic MBAs and Business Professionals

Location: The Allen Foundation Culinary Nutrition Center, Wightman Hall 110

Time: 6pm

Description: We invite you to join us for a fascinating exploration of the history behind the tortilla production industry. Explore into the rich heritage and traditions surrounding this beloved culinary staple. In addition to learning about the origins and evolution of tortilla production, you'll also have the opportunity to acquire hands-on skills in making homemade tortillas. Please note that space is limited for this event, so we kindly request that you RSVP to secure your spot. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge and master the art of crafting delicious tortillas from scratch.

Friday, 10/02 – Annual Career Awareness Information Session

Host: CMU Latine Alumni Chapter

Location: UC Auditorium, Bovee UC 302

Time: 2pm

Description: Come and join the CMU Latine Alumni Chapter for an inspiring program as these accomplished individuals share their personal stories, highlighting their journeys and the impact they have made in their respective fields. Moreover, the program will include valuable career advice sessions where alumni will provide guidance and insights to current students. This is an invaluable opportunity to gain practical wisdom and learn from the successes and challenges faced by those who have come before you.

Tuesday, 10/06 – Bailar con el Corazón y con Pasión (MAC Approved)

Host: Breanna Santoya & Keira Mullen

Location: Rose Center/Ryan Hall 125

Time: 6pm

Description: The purpose of this event is to celebrate and showcase the rich history of Hispanic and Latin dances, highlighting their deep cultural significance and the powerful role they have played throughout time. Each dance tells a story of love, struggle, joy, and identity reflecting the spirit and resilience of the people who created them in addition to bring to life the vibrant traditions that continue to inspire generations today.

Wednesday, 10/07 – Making Colombian Arepas and Mexican Chocolate

Host: CMU Spanish Club & Empowered Latino Union

Location: The Allen Foundation Culinary Nutrition Center, Wightman Hall 110

Time: 5pm

Description: Join us for a hands-on cultural experience celebrating one of Colombia’s most beloved traditional foods: the arepa! Participants will learn about the history and cultural significance of arepas in Colombian cuisine while making their own arepas from scratch. Please note that space is limited for this event, so we kindly request that you RSVP to secure your spot.

Monday, 10/12 – Stories with Guest Speaker, Sandra Cisneros

Host: WCMU Public Media

Location: Bovee UC Rotunda

Time: 6pm

Description: Join us for a special conversation with acclaimed author Sandra Cisneros on Monday, October 12, for an event exploring The House on Mango Street and its enduring themes of identity, community and belonging. The events coincide with Hispanic Heritage Month and offer opportunities for both the CMU community and the public to engage with Cisneros and her work.

Wednesday, 10/14 – Gay & Lesbian Latinos Unidos (MAC Approved)

Host: Office of LGBTQ+ Services and Gender Equity Programs

Location: CSID, Bovee UC 108

Time: 5pm

Description: Join us for a film discussion exploring the history and impact of Gay and Lesbian Latinos Unidos (GLLU), founded in Los Angeles in 1981. As one of the first major Queer Latin@ organizations in the Los Angeles area, GLLU emerged during a pivotal period marked by the growing HIV/AIDS crisis and significant movements for LGBTQ+ equality, women’s rights, and civil rights. The film highlights the experiences, challenges, activism, and resilience of GLLU members and the broader communities they served.

Thursday, 10/15 – Gather for the Culture HHM Edition

Host: CMU Dinning, MASS & Ballet Folklorico de la Luz

Location: Dine & Connect (East Community)

Time: 4pm

Description: MASS and CMU Dinning invite you to embark on a flavorful adventure celebrating the diverse and delicious cuisines of Latin America. This food tasting event will feature a variety of traditional dishes from countries like Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia, and more. Alongside the food, enjoy vibrant music, and a special performance by CMU’s Ballet Folklorico de la Luz.