Miami-Dade County kicks off National Hispanic Heritage Month with multicultural celebration

More than 200 people gathered Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the Stephen P. Clark Center in downtown Miami as the Miami-Dade County Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board (HAAB) officially kicked off National Hispanic Heritage Month with a multicultural celebration featuring elected officials, diplomats, community leaders, music, folklore, and art representing the diversity of the Hispanic community. Watch a video recap of the 2026 National Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff celebration.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and County Commission Vice Chairman Kionne L. McGhee joined Commissioner Vicki L. Lopez, District 5; Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis, District 6; Commissioner Juan Carlos “JC” Bermudez, District 12; and Sen. René García, District 13. The elected officials addressed attendees during the program with messages recognizing Hispanic heritage, public service, unity and the contributions of Hispanic communities to Miami-Dade County.

Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia also joined the celebration and shared a message announcing that Sept. 15 is also National Voter Registration Day. Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez presented an honorary citation recognizing the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board and the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

The celebration also welcomed municipal elected officials and members of the Consular Corps of Miami. Rosa María Mérida de Mora, consul general of Guatemala in Miami and dean of the Consular Corps of Miami, delivered remarks on behalf of the diplomatic community. Doral Councilwoman Maureen Porras participated in recognition of her Nicaraguan heritage, and Medley Councilman Edgar Ayala joined the celebration representing his Honduran heritage.

Held under the 2026 theme, “Unidos, Somos Más” (“Together, We Are More”), the celebration highlighted the cultures and traditions of the Spanish-speaking world and coincided with the Sept. 15 independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

The Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board also received proclamations and official recognitions commemorating National Hispanic Heritage Month from Miami-Dade County, the City of Aventura, the City of Miami Beach and the Town of Davie.

The cultural program opened with Dayma Durades, “La Diamante,” performing a musical tribute to legendary Cuban singer Celia Cruz in recognition of Cuban Heritage Month in Miami-Dade County. Cuban Heritage Month was established through Miami-Dade County Resolution No. R-663-23, sponsored by current County Commission Chairman Anthony Rodriguez.

Puerto Rican salsa singer Melina Almodóvar, “La Muñeca de la Salsa,” headlined the celebration with a performance dedicated to Colombia and Venezuela. Attendees also experienced cultural presentations representing the Central American nations commemorating their independence Sept. 15. Mariachi México Internacional performed in celebration of Mexican Independence Day, observed Sept. 16. This performance was sponsored by Vice Chairman Kionne L. McGhee.

The celebration continued with Grupo Folclórico Costa Rica Miami representing Costa Rica; Salvadoran composer and singer Daniel Chacón representing El Salvador; Grupo Folclórico Nicaragua Baila and Adonis D’Chow representing Nicaragua; and Honduran writer and cultural ambassador Dr. Alejandra Fuentes representing Honduras. Peru was represented through the traditional Marinera, “Trujillo de Mis Amores,” performed by Club West Palm Beach–Miami and sponsored by Consul General of Peru in Miami David Vergara Pilares. Visual arts were also part of the celebration, with a one-day exhibition of more than 40 works of art. Several works were donated to support relief efforts for communities affected by recent earthquakes.

The event was made possible with the support of its sponsors. Major sponsors were Vice Chairman Kionne L. McGhee and Dr. Francesco Duberli, immediate past chair of HAAB, and CEO of Survivor’s Pathway. Additional sponsors included HAAB Chair Karla Fortuny, First Vice Chair Karen Diazgranados, Second Vice Chair Claudia Cubillos, Dr. Omar Vento, Abbott Flowers, Up & Fun Entertainment, Casa Faroy Trophies, and Signalite.

National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations continue throughout Miami-Dade County. View the National Hispanic Heritage Month Calendar of Events for upcoming cultural programs, community celebrations and other activities. For photographs from the kickoff and additional details in Spanish, read the Comunidad FVE event coverage.

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.

Photos by Armando Rodriguez/Miami-Dade County