Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board concludes Hispanic Heritage Month with countywide events and proclamations

The Miami-Dade County Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board (HAAB) celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 with a series of countywide recognitions, beginning on Sept. 3 and culminating with more than 20 events and 14 proclamations honoring Hispanic culture and community service. The first proclamation was presented on Sept. 3 by the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, followed by recognitions from the City of Doral, City of Miami, Village of El Portal, City of Miami Beach, City of Coral Gables, City of Homestead, City of Hialeah, Town of Medley, City of Sunny Isles Beach, City of North Miami, and City of North Miami Beach.

On Sept. 16, Miami-Dade County officially kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with a multicultural ceremony that drew more than 200 guests to the Stephen P. Clark Center to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic communities. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Vice Chairman Kionne L. McGhee, Commissioners Roberto Gonzalez and Natalie Milian Orbis, Property Appraiser Tomas Regalado, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Public Defender Carlos Martinez, Doral Vice Mayor Maureen Porras, and Sunny Isles Beach Commissioner Fabiola Stuyvesant attended the HAAB-hosted event.

Diplomats from Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa also joined the celebration. Consul General Rosa María Mérida de Mora of Guatemala, dean of the Miami Consular Corps, offered remarks on behalf of the diplomatic community. Beatriz Viera, representing Congressman Carlos Gimenez, presented a U.S. Congressional Record entry recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, and Susana Guasch presented a proclamation on behalf of State Sen. Dr. Barbara Sharief.

The kickoff featured mariachis, Colombian folklore, tango, merengue, and salsa performances, followed by a Mexican luncheon in honor of Mexican Independence Day, sponsored by Survivors Pathway, Inc., Coca-Cola beverages Florida, and W & W Events Design Group.

Throughout the month, HAAB participated in community celebrations hosted by County commissioners, including Chairman Anthony Rodriguez’s Mi Libro Hispano Book Fair & Cultural Exhibit, Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez’s 20th Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration at International Mall, Commissioner Marleine Bastien’s “Health Is Wealth” Hispanic Heritage Dance, Sen. René García’s “How to Do Business with the County” procurement outreach event, Commissioner Oliver Gilbert III’s annual Hispanic Heritage Festival, and Commissioner Eileen Higgins at the Puerto Rican Heritage Day at loanDepot Park.

Commissioner Micky Steinberg joined HAAB members for the Sunny Isles Beach proclamation presentation, held in a city within her district. “Our board is humbled by the support of the many municipalities that recognized us during Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Chair Karla Fortuny. “Each proclamation represented a meaningful connection with local leaders and an opportunity to strengthen collaboration year-round.”

HAAB joined Mayor Levine Cava and Consul General of Spain Belén Alfaro to celebrate Spain’s National Day during a reception at the consul’s residence and later concluded the month with the Mayor at the “Latinos Mean Business” event.

The observance of Hispanic Heritage Month runs nationally from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Equatorial Guinea. The board has already reserved Sept. 15, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Stephen P. Clark Center to kick off next year’s Hispanic Heritage Month with a tribute to Central America and Peru in collaboration with the Consular Corps of Miami.

All events and meetings of the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board are open to the public and residents are encouraged to attend and learn more about the work of the board. Miami-Dade County provides equal access and opportunity in its programs, services, employment, and activities and does not discriminate based on disability.

For more information or to request materials in accessible format, sign language interpreters, CART services, and/or any accommodation to participate in any future County-sponsored program or meeting, please email HAAB Program Officer Griselle Marino or call 305-297-3139. Follow the board on Instagram, Facebook and X.

The Office of Community Advocacy, operating under the Board of County Commissioners, oversees 12 advisory boards, including the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board, as well as the Goodwill Ambassadors Program. The Office is committed to fostering a unified and inclusive community in Miami-Dade County. Stay updated by subscribing to our YouTube channel and following @AdvocacyMDC on Facebook, Instagram, and X.