South Bend Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with a Festive Lineup of Events

Photo byJoseph Dits

SOUTH BEND — This September, South Bend will come alive with the vibrant colors and rhythms of Latin America as the city kicks off National Hispanic Heritage Month. From September 15 to October 15, the community will celebrate the rich contributions of Latinos through an array of dynamic events that honor diverse traditions and cultural heritage.

Kicking Off the Festivities

The celebration begins with a grand fiesta hosted by Radio Station Sabor Latino on September 14. From noon to 11 p.m., the parking lot of the Marycrest Building, 2015 W. Western Ave., will transform into a bustling Latin American street fair. Attendees can indulge in authentic cuisine from various food vendors, enjoy performances by traditional and contemporary bands, and watch mesmerizing folkloric dance routines. The highlight of the evening will be the crowning of Miss Chiquitita and Miss Abuelita, who will represent the event in future parades. Additionally, 18 scholarships will be awarded to deserving students, with the radio station celebrating its 22 years of supporting education by distributing nearly $300,000 in scholarships to 382 recipients. The night will culminate with Mayor James Mueller delivering "el grito," a traditional Mexican shout to mark Independence Day. Admission is free.

Cultural Events for All Ages

On September 17, the Western Branch Library at 611 S. Lombardy Drive will host a family-friendly event from 5 to 7 p.m. featuring crafts, food, music, and games. This event, also free of charge, is designed to engage participants of all ages.

For younger audiences, the St. Joseph County Public Library’s Story House will offer bilingual songs and stories on September 23 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. This session, aimed at children aged 3 to 5, will be conducted in both Spanish and English.

IUSB Hispanic Heritage Festival

Indiana University South Bend (IUSB) will host its inaugural Hispanic Heritage Festival on September 25 from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at the Grill Patio, located in the University Center. This festival will feature traditional food, live music, and folkloric dance performances. The lineup includes music professor Juan Carlos Alarcon, who will perform Latin American music from 4 to 5 p.m., followed by Alejandro Santos and his band Conjunto Aurora with tamborazo style music from 5 to 6 p.m., and the folkloric dance group Tierra Viva showcasing dances from various Mexican regions from 6 to 7 p.m. While admission is free, food will be available for purchase.

Additional Celebrations

The German Township Branch Library will host a musical storytelling event on October 3 from 10:30 to 11 a.m., featuring the Euclid Quartet and a reading of “Where Are You From?” by Yamile Saied Méndez, aimed at children aged 3 to 8. Later that day, from 6 to 6:45 p.m., the Western Branch Library will offer “La Lotería,” a traditional Mexican bingo game, with snacks and prizes.

Support and Celebrate

On October 23, La Casa de Amistad will hold a fundraising gala from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 3423 S. Michigan St., featuring cocktails, dinner, and an auction. For more information on sponsoring this event, visit La Casa de Amistad.

Dia de los Muertos

The celebrations will extend into November with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra’s free concert on November 2 at 3 p.m. at the Morris Performing Arts Center. This concert will honor “Día de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) with performances by Vanessa Alonzo and Trio Chapultepec, alongside pieces by Latin American composers. Details are available at South Bend Symphony.

South Bend’s Hispanic Heritage Month festivities offer a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, celebrating the contributions and traditions of the Latino community while fostering a sense of unity and appreciation throughout the city.