Miami-Dade County Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board to kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15

The Miami-Dade County Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board (HAAB) invites you to kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month. The event will take place at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15, in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 NW 1st Street, Miami, FL. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, County Commission Chairman Anthony Rodriguez, Vice Chairman Kionne L. McGhee and County Commissioners have been invited; as well as Constitutional officers, municipal elected officials, and members of the Consular Corps of Miami. The event is free and open to the public. Highlights from last year’s celebration can be viewed on the AdvocacyMDC YouTube channel.

The 2026 celebration will feature live performances by Melina Almodóvar, “La Muñeca de la Salsa”; Dayma Diamante, “La Diamante”; and Marlin de la Salsa, along with traditional Central and South American folkloric performances. In recognition of Resolution No. R-663-23, sponsored by Chairman Anthony Rodriguez, establishing September as Cuban Heritage Month in Miami-Dade County, La Diamante will perform a musical tribute to Cuban icon Celia Cruz. La Muñeca de la Salsa will dedicate her performance to the people of Colombia and Venezuela as a show of solidarity and support during this difficult time. A one-day exhibition featuring more than 40 works of art will also be presented during the Sept. 15 celebration. Some of the participating artists have donated paintings to help raise funds for victims of the recent earthquakes.

The observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. It was expanded by President Ronald Reagan and enacted into law in 1988 to cover a 30-day period from September 15 to October 15. It is a time to appreciate and celebrate the colorful cultures, rich histories, and diversity of Hispanic communities.

September 15 is set as the starting date for the month as it is important for many reasons. It is the independence anniversary for the following Latin American countries: El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Then, the independence days of Mexico and Chile fall on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, every year on October 12, several Latin American countries celebrate Día de la Raza (National Day of Spain and Día de la Hispanidad), which commemorates the day when Christopher Columbus arrived on the continent. In the United States, Columbus Day is celebrated on the second Monday of the month, this year falling on Oct. 12.

All meetings of the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board are open to the public and residents are encouraged to attend. 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 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.