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
Image courtesy of Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen
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 Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar to sophisticated twists on classic Mexican dishes at Mama Tigre and Urbano - you can celebrate this amazing culture while sharing a meal with family or friends.
Chef David Guas of Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen is bringing the Havana flavors to honor his roots and the Hispanic communities that shaped Northern Virginia. From September 15 to October 15, you'll be able to taste it yourself during this McLean restaurant's Hispanic Heritage Month pop-up menu. Enjoy the feeling of trying food made with love and recipes passed through generations, with dinner specials region by region, five specials each week, from Peruvian ceviche to Guatemalan tapado. Plus, a weekly regional sandwich special for lunch Tuesday through Friday.
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.
TSR offers Bachatera Fridays, Latin Saturdays, and House of Dance Bachata Wednesdays from 8 pm to 2 am. Pick your poison and get your salsa on to indulge in Hispanic heritage!
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced dancer who's looking to try a new music genre, you should attend a night of dancing at Colvin Run Dance Hall. From Tango to Rumba, Cha Cha, Mambo, Samba, Merengue, and more. Check out their full event calendar here.
This Saturday, September 19: Hispanic Heritage Family Skate and Dance Night, where the whole family will be able to skate and groove to the beats of the DJ! Grab your skates and your whole familia, and let's roll!
Keep the celebrations going on October 2 at Salsa in the Park! Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an evening of music, movement, food, and community. This free, family-friendly event will feature salsa dancing, nature exploration, gardening activities, arts & crafts, and more.
Attend the Fiesta Fairfax in the City of Fairfax
Get ready to party at the Fiesta Fairfax! Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 3, from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Old Town Square in the City of Fairfax. 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 children's activities. And for the foodies out there, indulge your taste buds with mouthwatering traditional foods.
Celebrate Through Live Music & Special Events
Head to Nationals Park on September 12 and September 15 for Hispanic Heritage Days. Enjoy salsa lessons, mariachi bands, béisbol, live Latin music y más! Learn more here.
Get your folding chair and blanket ready for a family-friendly outdoor movie night in Tysons. Join Tysons Corner Center on September 18 to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a screening of Encanto on PenFed Plaza's big screen. Grab a bite to eat at Barrel & Bushel, Shake Shack, or Earls and enjoy a picnic dinner under the stars!
Then, head to Reston on September 19 for the annual Reston Multicultural Festival! Everyone is invited to celebrate not just Hispanic culture, but the rich diversity that defines this one-of-a-kind community.
As mentioned before, Old Town Square is bringing the fiesta fun with its annual Fiesta Fairfax event on October 3. Find local Latin food vendors, salsa dance demonstrations, and then show everyone what you've got on the dance floor with a live band.
On October 21, George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena welcomes Arcangel, who has helped shape the modern Latin music landscape with a career spanning two decades. Experience an evening of Latin music and culture with one of the pioneering voices in the genre!
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, making learning accessible to travelers and residents who speak other languages.
Spanish speakers, or anyone who wants to practice their Spanish, can explore Ox Hill Battlefield Park and learn, in Español, about the significant events 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 its historical importance in their native language.
Celebrate Through Learning
Smithsonian just announced that the National Museum of the American Latino officially has a home on the National Mall at the former Arts and Industries Building! While the museum is not yet open, visitors can experience its exhibitions and programs at the Molina Family Latino Gallery at the National Museum of American History. And what better way to celebrate through learning than by experiencing Puro Ritmo!: The musical journey of Salsa. Plan your visit here.
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 fall events and activities and events throughout the area.
