Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the City of Alexandria

Page updated on September 9, 2026 at 10:39 AM
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A colorful banner bordered by flowers and flags of Latin American countries and images of dancers. Text states: ¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Alexandria. Includes the City of Alexandria seal.

Join the City of Alexandria in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15!

On October 9, join us for the Hispanic Heritage Celebration Dance from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Leonard "Chick" Armstrong Rec Center for dancing, refreshments, and a celebration of Latino culture.  

The next day, Saturday, October 10, brings two more opportunities to celebrate. First, the Alexandria Library Hispanic Heritage Fiesta is from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Beatley Library. Then, in the evening, join us for a Hispanic Heritage Celebration at Patrick Henry Recreation Center from 3 to 7 p.m. Both events celebrate and honor the cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities and will feature music, dance, art, cuisine, cultural demonstrations, educational resources, and family-friendly activities.

Visit our Hispanic Heritage webpage for event details.  

Why Hispanic Heritage Month Is Celebrated in September and October

Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua all have their independence day on September 15. Other countries that celebrate their independence during Hispanic Heritage Month are Mexico on September 16, Chile on September 18, and Belize on September 21. What began as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 was expanded to a full 31 days by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.

Hispanic and Latino Communities in Alexandria

Alexandria is home to generations of residents who trace their heritage to Hispanic and Latino countries across the Americas. Many settled in Arlandria, in an area now known as Chirilagua after a city in El Salvador. A 2021 study available on our website traces this history in depth. The City also has first-hand Oral Histories from the Hispanic Community videos you can watch to learn more about the Hispanic and Latino experience in Alexandria.  

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you. Please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960 to request these services.