The City of Alexandria is joining the nation in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15 with cultural events, opportunities to learn about Hispanic and Latin American cultures, and colorful lights and flags at City Hall and Market Square.  

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a meaningful time for Alexandria to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and traditions that strengthen our city. Our diversity is one of our greatest assets to move Alexandria forward to the future. We are proud to stand with our Hispanic and Latino neighbors in honoring their heritage and the many ways they help shape a stronger, more vibrant Alexandria,” said Mayor Alyia Gaskins 

City Events 

Join us for family-friendly festivals, performances, and cultural events that showcase Alexandria’s vibrant Hispanic and Latino community. Visit the Hispanic Heritage webpage for a full list of events throughout the month. 

History of Hispanic Heritage Month 

Originally established as Hispanic Heritage Week by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month was expanded to a full 31 days by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.  

Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 to coincide with the independence anniversaries of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Additionally, Mexico (September 16), Chile (September 18), and Belize (September 21) celebrate their independence during Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Hispanic and Latino Communities in Alexandria 

Alexandria is proud to be home to thousands of Americans who trace their heritage back to Hispanic and Latino countries around the world. The City has welcomed generations of immigrants from Central and South America. Many of these people settled in Arlandria, in an area now known as Chirilagua, after a city in El Salvador. Learn more about the cultural history of Arlandria-Chirilagua through a 2021 study available on our website. 

To celebrate this and other communities that call Alexandria home, City Hall will be illuminated each night in the national colors of different Latin American countries. Market Square will also be decorated with these nations’ flags. Visit the Hispanic Heritage webpage to see a full list of featured countries. 

Want to learn more about Hispanic and Latino history in Alexandria? Listen to first-hand Oral Histories from the Hispanic Community, many of which were conducted as part of the Immigrant Alexandria Project.  

Celebrate with us this Hispanic Heritage Month!