¡Viva Tucson! Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Every year, Sept. 15 marks a day of importance in Tucson, representing the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, and the evening of Sept. 15 marks the beginning of the Mexican Independence Day celebration.

Tucson lies only 60 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border, and hosts celebrations all month long during its inaugural ¡Viva Tucson! Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The celebration features a myriad of events and unveilings shining light on the community’s Hispanic heritage and inclusive mindset through art, music, film and more.

Guests looking to celebrate should head to the downtown Fox Theatre on Sept. 15 for the Mexican Independence Day Concert hosted by The Consulate of Mexico in Tucson. The Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Mariachi Atlán from Pueblo High School and Compańía de Danza Folkórica Arizona will perform classic, traditional and new music from Mexican composers. The night concludes with the civic ceremony “El Grito,” which translates to “the outcry,”  commemorating the birth of Mexico as a nation.

“¡Viva Tucson! celebrates not only Mexico’s independence, but also that of other Latin American countries such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Chile, and Belize,” said Felipe Garcia, president and CEO, Visit Tucson. “I’d encourage locals and visitors alike to experience one or multiple events firsthand. No matter your heritage or ancestry, I guarantee you’ll learn something about others, and perhaps in turn yourself. After all, ¡Viva Tucson! is a celebration of not just Hispanic heritage, but the vibrance of humanity and Tucson’s strong sense of community.”

The celebration lasts through Oct. 15, with events like the release party of Las Hermanas beer, the Vamos a Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta, Tucson Meet Yourself festival and more.

Find a full list of events.