We Celebrate! Hispanic Heritage Month 2026
We Celebrate!
¡Celebremos!
Hispanic Heritage Month | September 15 - October 15
Mes de la Herencia Hispana | Del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated September 15 to October 15. September 15th recognizes the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates independence on September 16th and Chile on September 18th. This month-long celebration is a time to highlight history and cultural contributions that have impacted the world. The celebration of Hispanic heritage in the United States began in 1968 with a week-long observance. It was expanded in 1988 to a month-long observance.
While we do not confine our celebration of Hispanic and Latinx heritage to one month, we respect and honor this time and commit to highlighting the significant contributions that are embedded in the fabric of American culture and identity.
Dr. Cheree Meeks
Assistant Dean for Leadership and Student Development
Dr. Nadia Alvarez Mexia
Associate Professor of Practice
El Mes de la Herencia Hispana se celebra del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre. El 15 de septiembre reconoce el aniversario de la Independencia de países como Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras y Nicaragua. México celebra su Independencia el 16 de septiembre y Chile el 18 de septiembre. Esta celebración, que se extiende por un mes, resalta la historia y las contribuciones culturales que han impactado al mundo. La celebración de la Herencia Hispana, en los EEUU, inicia en 1968 a través de un reconocimiento semanal. Esta celebración se extiende, por un mes, a partir de 1988.
Si bien, no debemos de limitar la celebración de la Herencia Hispana y Latinx a solo un mes, respetamos y honramos este tiempo para comprometernos en enaltecer las contribuciones significativas que forman parte de nuestra cultura e identidad estadounidense.
Dra. Cheree Meeks
Decana Asistente, Para Liderazgo y Desarrollo Estudiantil
Dra. Nadia Alvarez Mexia
Profesora Asociado de Práctica
Franke Honors Clubs
Nepantla Student Association (NSA)
NSA's mission is to celebrate and uplift Mexican students and culture at the University of Arizona and its surrounding community. All students are welcome to be a part of Nepantla and partner with them to empower our Mexican and Latinx students.
Nuestra misión es celebrar y elevar a los estudiantes y la cultura Mexicana en la Universidad de Arizona y en la comunidad que la rodea.
Follow @uaz.nepantla on Instagram Check out their club webpage!
Special Events
Mexican Independence Day
Tuesday, September 15 | 5:00 - 6:00 PM | 1067/1068 Honors Village | RSVP
Join Nepantla Student Association after their first meeting to take a group field trip on the Sun Link to the independence day celebration hosted by the Mexican Consulate downtown! They will be leaving the Honors Village by 6:15 PM.
Encuentro
Thursday, September 17 | 5:00 - 7:30 PM | Economics Building
Celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month with the Adalberto & Ana Guerrero Student Space. There will be free food (for the first 400 people), entertainment, dancing, a resource/club fair, and more!
Volunteer for the Event Student Organization Tabling Sign-up Stay up to date on Instagram
We Celebrate: Hispanic Heritage Month with Franke Honors
Tuesday, September 29 | 5:00 - 6:30 PM | HNRS 1067
Join Franke Honors and Nepantla for an evening of delicious food, loteria, a salsa challenge, connecting with your peers and celebrating Hispanic Heritage! All are welcome.
The University of Arizona is a Hispanic Serving Institution
At the W.A. Franke Honors College, we are proud to be part of a Hispanic Serving Institution. Our commitment is to support and elevate students in honors education through inclusive opportunities, community engagement, and academic excellence.
Stories
Latino students at the University of Arizona: The importance of feeling seen
Dr. Nadia Alvarez Mexia was interviewed by Somos Tucson about her experiences at the University of Arizona, and speaks about the importance of multilingual connection in the classroom.
Remember your ancestors—Recuerda a tus antepasados
In this special episode of It’s an Honor, guest host Dr. Nadia Alvarez Mexia sits down with Gabri Arroyo, a W.A. Franke Honors College student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology, to explore the deeply personal and universal theme of ancestry.
Franke Honors Courses Partner with Agave Heritage Festival for Second Year in a Row
Students collaborated to create multimedia projects such as podcasts, look books, interviews, video series, and more, researching the cultural, environmental, and economic dimensions of Agave and its significance.