Celebrated from September 15 through October 15 since its expansion in 1988, Hispanic Heritage Month honors the historic and cultural achievements of Hispanic Americans and celebrates their contributions that have influenced the diversity of our society. Here in Fairfax County, individuals of Hispanic descent make up 16.5% of the population and the influence of this beautiful culture on our destination is reflected in the cuisine, activities, and events we enjoy here throughout the year. And if you're looking at the National Capital Region as a whole, the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) has plenty going on.
Below are just a few ways you can experience and celebrate Hispanic culture and heritage over the next few weeks here in Fairfax County and throughout the region.
Celebrate Through Food
Mama Tigre in Oakton
Fairfax County is known throughout the region as having a wonderfully diverse dining scene, including many that exemplify authentic or modern Hispanic cuisine. From Salvadorian delights at Ines Place and classic Peruvian dishes with a modern flair at Inca Social or the new Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar to sophisticated twists on classic Mexican dishes at Mama Tigre, El Bebe and Urbano - you can celebrate this amazing culture while sharing a meal with family or friends.
Bonus: Urbano is showing their excitement with deals and specials like Margarita Mondays, Taco Tuesdays and the dish of the month, Traditional Pozole. Book your table now to get a taste of fresh flavors and Mexican culture.
Celebrate Through Dance
TSR (The Salsa Room) Tysons is the perfect place to let loose and practice your salsa dance moves. This club has Bachata and Salsa classes throughout the year and has DJs mixing popular Latin party music every weekend. Spice up your Tuesday nights at Kalypso's Sports Tavern for Salsa and Bachata Night! Grab your partner and dance to the beats. Want to learn from the best? Ballet Hispánico is hosting an interactive social dance workshop where participants will learn to move to the rhythms of salsa, merengue, cha cha, and more!
PSA: Every 3rd Tuesday dance lessons will be available by Suburban Salsa Productions to bring some Latin flair!
Attend the Fairfax Fiesta
Get ready to party at Fairfax County's second Hispanic Heritage Celebration, the Fairfax Fiesta! Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 5th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Culmore Community Library (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church, VA 22041). This epic event is absolutely free and promises a fantastic time for people of all ages and backgrounds. Be dazzled by electrifying cultural performances and entertainment, explore an artisan market with handmade treasures, and keep little ones entertained with a children's activities. And for the foodies out there, indulge your taste buds with mouthwatering traditional foods.
Celebrate Through Live Music & Special Events
Image courtesy EagleBank Arena's Facebook
Visit George Mason University's EagleBank Arena on October 2 for an unforgettable night of music as Myke Towers, a Top 10 artist on the Top Latin Albums chart, takes the stage for his La Pantera Negra Tour. Witness one of the most sought-after collaborators in Latin music as he worked with Bad Bunny, Becky G, Farruko, Arcángel and Karol G, among others.
Experience a transformative performance from the Ballet Hispánico at George Mason University's Center for the Arts on Saturday, October 5 at 8pm. Seen as one of America’s cultural treasures, Ballet Hispánico honors the multifaceted Hispanic diasporas with a lively dance performance for Hispanic Heritage Month. This spectacular show will recount the story of Juan de Pareja, an Afro-Hispanic painter who was enslaved in the studio of Spanish artist Diego Velázquez before rising to prominence as an artist. The performance will also showcase classic Cuban culture with the captivating rhythms of conga, rumba, mambo, and cha-cha-chá.
Come and witness José Alberto Vázquez from Mexico City and Colombian daredevils Ricardo and Alejandro defy the laws of gravity at Circus Vazquez from September 20 through October 6. Juggling, rhythm, acrobats, and much more all under the circus tent in Tysons.
Test your knowledge at Hispanic Heritage Trivia on September 12 at The Winery at Bull Run because Thursdays are made for trivia! Bring your chair and blanket to Tysons Corner Center for an outdoor movie screening of Disney Pixar's Coco to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the whole family on September 17. Then, head to Reston on September 21 for their Multicultural Festival! Everyone is invited to celebrate not just Hispanic culture, but the rich diversity that defines this one-of-a-kind community. Old Town Square is bringing the fiesta fun with its annual Fairfax Fiesta event on October 5. Local Latin food vendors, salsa dance demonstrations, and then show everyone what you got on the dance floor with a live band.
Celebrate Through the Love of History
Civil War Trails, Inc. curated the first bilingual sign in the nation out of over 1,350 sites across the country for non-English speaking travelers – and it’s located at Ox Hill Battlefield Park! The sign’s translation interprets the site’s history in Korean and Spanish to make learning accessible for all travelers and residents who speak other languages.
Spanish speakers, or those who want to practice their Spanish, can explore Ox Hill Battlefield Park and learn, in Español, about the significant events in history that took place there. Ox Hill Battlefield Park marks the only major Civil War battle that occurred within Fairfax County. On September 1, 1862, right after the battle of Second Manassas in Bull Run, The Battle of “Chantilly” or The Battle of Ox Hill, took place during a ferocious storm with thousands of soldiers. The battle endured for over two hours until dark with neither side achieving victory. Hispanic Americans can visit the historical site and learn all about this part of American History with interpretive signage that can explain details about the battle and historical importance in their native language.
Celebrate Through Learning
The National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers Official 2022 Hispanic Heritage Month Poster
The National Archives, Library of Congress, Smithsonian Institution, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Park Service, and National Endowment for the Humanities are coming together to pay tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced our nation and society. Their collection of programming and events gives everyone a chance to dig deeper into the beautiful ways Hispanic culture has enriched the lives of all Americans.
What will you do to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month? Let us know by tagging us in your social posts at @VisitFairfax and #FXVA so that we can follow along. Be sure to subscribe to our blog feed so you can keep up to date on the latest seasonal activities and events throughout the area.
