¡PRESENTE!

Celebrate Latino Heritage with the National Museum of the American Latino

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with two days of public events to celebrate the opening of the museum’s gallery and commemorate 25 years of Latinidad at the Smithsonian. 

When: September 16–17, 2022

Where: National Museum of American History on Constitution Ave. NW, between 13th and 14th Streets

All festival activities are FREE

Dance Party

Friday, Sept. 16
7–11 p.m.

Join us for a night of dancing, music, performances and interactive cultural experiences. Docents will lead a special tour of the Molina Family Latino Gallery. Culturally curated Latino cuisine and specialty beverages will be available for purchase. This is a free and ticketed 21+ event.

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Family Day

Saturday, Sept. 17
11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Multiple Smithsonian museums and cultural centers showcase Latino history, art and culture through activities and collections. Activities will include a puppet theater, cooking demonstrations, and pop-culture and adult programming. The day will also spotlight Latinos in sports.

Concert

Saturday, Sept. 17
6–8:30 p.m.

The Latino Heritage Festival concludes with musical performances that capture the diversity of Latinidad, including urban musical traditions and salsa. 

Featured Performances and Participants

Dance Party
  • DJ Pedro Night
  • Bio Ritmo, Indie Salsa Band
  • Salsa with Silvia Dance Studio
  • Check-In with Madame Mela 
Family Day
  • Check-In with Madame Mela 
  • Skating Demonstrations with Oscar Loreto and Itzel Granado Flores 
  • Batmaking Demonstration with Juan Baret
  • Cooking Up History with Chef Silvana Salcedo Esparza
  • Excerpts from GALA Theatre's Play: La Llamada de Sylvia Mendez: Separate is Not Equal 
  • The Pura Belpre Project Puppet Show from Teatro SEA, New York City
  • Special screenings of PBS Kids shows Alma's Way and Rosie Rules! 
  • Latinas in Baseball on-stage conversation with Linda Alvarado 
  • Transforming the Screen on-stage conversation with Alberto Ferreras, Dan Guerrero, and Melinna Bobadilla

Acknowledgments

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino gratefully acknowledges Bank of America for its support as lead opening sponsor of the Molina Family Latino Gallery Opening Year Events.

Collaborating organizations include CASA, Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School, GALA Theatre, La Clínica del Pueblo, Teatro SEA, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. 

Smithsonian museum partners include Anacostia Community Museum, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Smithsonian Gardens, Smithsonian Science Education Center, Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Service, and Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.