Five ways to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month in Fort Worth

Megan Cardona
Khampha Bouaphanh/Star-Telegram

National Hispanic Heritage Month starts Thursday and several events are planned to celebrate in Fort Worth this year.

Why does Hispanic Heritage Month start on the 15th?

September 15 is when Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua celebrate their independence days. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively, and Día de la Raza is celebrated on Oct. 12, falling within the 30 day period.

What is Día de la Raza?

Día de la Raza, “Day of the Race” or “Race Day”, celebrates the “cultural fusion” of Spanish and indigenous American heritage with the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1942.

In some Latin American and Spanish-speaking countries the day is celebrated instead of Columbus Day.

Hometown celebrations

Here are some Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations happening this year in Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Fiestas Patrias

  • When: Sept. 18 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

  • Where: Fort Worth Stockyards, 131 E Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth

This Fiestas Patrias Parade and Grito Celebration will have live music, ballet folklorico, cattle drives, a celebration parade and a Mexican rodeo.

Movies that Matter: Latino

  • When: Sept. 18, 4 p.m.

  • Where: Rose Marine Theater, 1440 N Main St., Fort Worth

  • Cost: Free

This quarterly film series celebrates diversity within Latino culture. The film screening is followed by a moderated discussion with local subject matter experts.

Murillo: From Heaven to Earth

  • When: Sept. 18 through Jan. 29

  • Where: Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth

  • Hours: Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday noon-8 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m.

  • Cost: $18, over 60 and students with ID $16, children ages 6-11 $14, members free

This special exhibition will showcase the genre paintings of Spanish Golden Age painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.

Frida Fest

  • When: Oct. 1

  • Where: Sundance Square Plaza, Fort Worth

  • Cost: Free

This one-day free event will celebrate the accomplishments of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo with artists, DJ’s, musicians and a market with fine arts with crafts.

Celebramos! A celebration of Hispanic Heritage

  • When: Sept. 15-Oct. 15, 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.

  • Where: Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth

  • Cost: $12, 65 and older $10, 6-15 $6

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden and the Botanical Research Institute of Texas will host festivities throughout Hispanic Heritage Month in the gardens, featuring performances, exhibitions, dining and shopping.

Some events include the Mariposa Market on Sept. 24 and 25 that will host local Hispanic artisan vendors for garden guests to stop by and shop, along with family-friendly activities. The Latin American Walking Parade and Festival will take place Sept. 24 in the afternoon, consisiting of a Loteria game, food trucks with Hispanic cuisine, and folklorico dance performances.

Advertisement