Latine Heritage Month

Through our theme—"Corriente: La felicidad es mi resistencia" / "Coming thru: Happiness is my resistance"—we remind ourselves and our communities of the importance of Latine joy. Amid the existential scrutiny of numerous oppressive systems that define us by our identities and an attempt to dehumanize us—even sometimes at the hands of our own community members—our resistance is still finding joy in our lives and the existence of our community. This celebration offers a form of collective resistance. Our capacity to turn suffering into joy is something we will always hold. It is who we are. Joy cascades through you and through us–just like a current.

By centering joy, we are celebrating each and every one of us in this diasporic community. Join us this month in honoring the role joy plays in our everyday lives and more importantly to our resistance.

ⓘ What is Latine Heritage Month? Latine Heritage Month is the University of Michigan's month-long celebration of Latine/a/o/x people, cultures, and contributions, taking place mid September through mid October. It coincides with National Hispanic American Heritage Month, celebrated nationally from September 15 - October 15, which was first federally recognized starting in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week. Latine can be pronounced in multiple ways: "Lah-teen-uh" or "Lah-teen" or "La-ti-ne." Note: Over the years, people of Latin American heritage have identified themselves and have been identified by others in various ways. The Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs believes in the wisdom and inclusive vision of our students, who have informed the transition to identify the following month as Latine Heritage Month moving forward.

Latine Heritage Month at U-M is led by the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs' Latine Heritage Month Committee.

Calendar of events

This is a campus-wide calendar and organizers/sponsors vary by event. See event links below for details, and contact event organizers with inquiries about specific events.

Submit an event 
 

F.A.M. Fridays

September 13, 2024  |  2:00 p.m.
Trotter Multicultural Center
Sponsored by Trotter Multicultural Center

F.A.M. Fridays is BACK! This monthly program series celebrates culture through food, art, and music. This month, we are celebrating Latine Heritage Month with special guests Los Salseros Azules and ALPFA. We'll have dancing, games, music, and food from Tios Mexican Cafe.
 

Latine Heritage Month Carillon Kickoff Recital

September 16, 2024  |  1:20 p.m.
Ann & Robert Lurie Carillon (Lurie Tower in Gerstacker Grove)
Sponsored by Department of Organ (SMTD)

Prof. Tiffany Ng, U-M Carillon Guild president Meghan Wysocki, and members of the carillon studio will perform compositions and arrangements by Latine composers on this special kickoff recital and throughout Latine Heritage Month. Thirty-minute recitals are performed on the Lurie Carillon every weekday that classes are in session, from 1:20–1:50 pm.
 

Latine Heritage Month Opening Ceremony

September 16, 2024  |  6:00 - 8:00 p.m.*
Michigan Union, Rogel Ballroom
Sponsored by MESA's Latine Heritage Month Planning Committee

[Registration required] Join us for the Latine Heritage Month Opening Ceremony. Food provided. *Time subject to change.
 

Between the Sun and Sidewalk—A film screening with director Q&A

September 18, 2024  |  6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Michigan League, Lydia Mendelssohn Theater
Sponsored by Rackham Graduate School, Ginsberg Center, Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, Turn Up turnout, Puentes, and Black Graduate Student Association

Between the Sun and the Sidewalk follows two fiercely dedicated young Latino political organizers leading a team of new recruits to mobilize their community to support a sugary drink tax. When the state government passes a stealth law to ban all local soda taxes until 2030, these young activists fearlessly battle the corporate lobbying efforts to block them.
 

QTBIPOC Kickbacks

September 25, 2024  |  4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Trotter Multicultural Center, Sankofa Lounge
Sponsored by the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, Spectrum Center, and Trotter Multicultural Center

Find your community. Join us for community and meals, centering students who are queer and trans Black, indigenous, and people of color. Drop in, grab food, and hang out!
 

Latine Heritage Month Anti-Racism Teach-in

October 2, 2024  |  6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
MESA, Michigan Union 3020
Sponsored by Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs

This MESA Anti-Racism Teach-in is tailored to the Latinx community and offers a space for attendees to communicate with each other, discuss their own perceptions and worldviews about race and privilege, and engage in productive dialogue that will create more equitable and accessible spaces. Our hope is to raise critical consciousness and understand opportunities for action.
 

La Unión

October 3, 2024  |  6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
University of Michigan Diag
Sponsored by La Casa

La Unión is a cultural tabling event to establish a welcoming space for students from diverse Latine/x backgrounds, cultivate connections and safe environments within the Latine/x community on campus, as well as engage students from various Latine/x backgrounds, and enhance La Casa's community. 
 

Bonds & Beads

October 3, 2024  |  8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
North Quad - Space 2435
Sponsored by the Caribbean Students Association

Join us for an evening of community building and connection with the Caribbean Student Association! We'll be celebrating the cultural connections of students from diverse Caribbean and Latine/x backgrounds. Beads & Bonds is an engaging event where we'll learn about the different flags within the Latin-Caribbean diaspora. You can enjoy making flag bracelets and food while we discuss the symbolism and cultural significance of each flag and its associated country in the Latin-Caribbean diaspora.
 

En La Misma Pagina

October 4, 2024  |  6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
East Quad Room 1405 
Sponsored by Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated

Join lecturer Teresa Sanchez-Snell and Las LTA's in honor of LHM! We will provide you the space to de-stress and paint something that signifies your cultural background and identity. Paint your flag(s), your parents pueblo, your favorite Latine Dish, or anything that reminds you of your roots! We will also provide food!
 

Puentes Fall Welcome

October 4, 2024  |  6:30 p.m.
Michigan Union, Pendleton Room
Sponsored by Puentes

Puentes invites you to join them in an evening of building community and connection with other Latinx graduate student and allies from across campus. Enjoy food, games, and social connection at our annual Fall Welcome event.
 

Don José Martí Open Mic Night

October 9, 2024  |  6:00 p.m.
Couzens Hall MPR
Sponsored by Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Couzens Active Multi-Ethnic Organization

The Don José Martí Open Mic Night is an annual event hosted by the brothers of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as a space for marginalized voices to share their creative work. It also serves as a way to honor his legacy as one of many people who fought for Cuban independence from Spain.
 

Latine Heritage Month Dinner

October 10, 2024  |  4:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Multiple locations, see below
Sponsored by Michigan Dining

Celebrate Latine Heritage Month with authentic Mexican cuisine inspired by the culinary excellence of Chef Iliana de la Vega. Students can experience her cooking on Thursday, October 10th during dinner at Mosher Jordan, South Quad, East Quad, North Quad, Twigs, Markley, and Bursley dining halls.
 

Celestial Heritage: Latin America's Skies and Women in Astronomy

October 10, 2024  |  7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Judy & Stanley Frankel Detroit Observatory
Sponsored by Detroit Observatory and U-M Astronomy Department

Join Professor Nuria Calvet and Professor Mario Mateo for two talks on Latin American astronomers and observatories. The talks will begin at 7:00 PM and will last 1 hour in total. Afterwards, attendees will be welcome to tour the original 1854 Detroit Observatory and observe the night sky through its historic telescope.
 

A look at Latinx voters and voting

October 15, 2024  |  4:00 p.m.
Weill Hall, Betty Ford Classroom (1110)
Sponsored by the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and Trotter Multicultural Center

[Registration required] Solidarity Strategies is one of the nation’s largest Latino-owned and operated award-winning political and nonprofit consulting firms in Washington, D.C. that provides bilingual direct mail, phone, digital, radio, television, newspaper, media, and general consulting services in addition to market mapping and landscape analyses.
 

Noche de Artesania

October 16, 2024  |  6:00 p.m.
Palmer Commons, Great Lakes room
Sponsored by The Quito Project

This event highlights a diverse range of traditional and modern crafts crafted by Ecuadorian artisans, showcasing their talent and innovation. You have the chance to explore a variety of handmade goods such as textiles and jewelry, each representing the distinct cultural traditions of Ecuador's various regions. 
 

"The House on Mango Street"

October 17, 2024  |  8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Hill Auditorium, Great Lakes Room
Sponsored and presented by the School of Music, Theater & Dance

SMTD OperaLab and the University Philharmonia Orchestra present a workshop of this stunning and timely new opera, The House on Mango Street. With music by Derek Bermel and a libretto by Sandra Cisneros, the piece is based on Cisneros' beloved novella of the same name. The House on Mango Street follows Esperanza – a Mexican-American girl coming-of-age in Chicago – and the colorful neighborhood that challenges and supports her.

A Conversation With Sandra Cisneros

October 18, 2024  |  7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Rackham Graduate School, Auditorium
Sponsored by the Department of Latina/o Studies, Rackham Graduate School, Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, Department of American Culture, Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives, LSA Opportunity Hub, and Department of English Language and Literature

Sandra Cisneros is a poet, novelist, and essayist whose work explores the lives of the working-class. Her beloved novel THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET is the subject of a new opera. Cisneros joins Ashley Lucas in conversation at Rackham Auditorium. Autographed copies of her books will be given to attendees.
 

Canvas of Identity

October 23, 2024  |  7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Michigan League Ballroom
La Casa x LHM Collab

"Canvas of Identity" is not just an art exhibition but a celebration of culture and diversity. We are excited to invite you to participate. Our event aims to bring together students and the community to explore and showcase themes of identity and cultural heritage through various forms of artistic expression. This is an incredible opportunity for artists, poets, musicians, photographers, and dancers to express their individuality and cultural heritage. It's a moment to shine and connect with others passionate about celebrating identity and diversity through art.
 

Annual Día de los Muertos Community Altar

October 24, 2024  |  6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
East Quad, first floor atrium corridor
Sponsored by Residential College, Spanish Language Internship Project and Latino/a Studies

Contribute to this year's Día de Los Muertos Community Altar by submitting a photo of your loved one (see link above)—Each picture will be printed, framed, and displayed on the tables. Our opening event will take place on Thursday, October 24. Gift bags will be given out to the first 50 attendees! The community altar will be on display until Sunday, November 3. 
 

Dia De Los Muertos Altar Making

October 29, 2024  |  5:00 p.m.
Trotter Multicultural Center, large meeting room
Sponsored by Corazones Unidos Siempre Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority Inc.

Come learn about Dia De Los Muertos traditions and honor your loved ones by decorating an altar!
 

Día de los Muertos Ball

November 2, 2024  |  7:00 p.m.
Rackham Graduate School, Rackham Assembly Hall
Sponsored by Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated

Join us for music, dancing, authentic Mexican food, engaging speakers, and live performance. Speakers will discuss the traditions and history of Día de los Muertos and the theme of our event, "Lives Lost Due to Genocide." Once the speaker has finished, there will be a live performance.
 

Guadalupe Maravilla: Sound As Medicine

November 7, 2024  |  5:30 p.m.
Michigan Theater
Sponsored by Penny Stamps School of Art & Design

Combining sculpture, painting, performative acts, and installation, Guadalupe Maravilla grounds his transdisciplinary practice in activism and healing. Engaging a wide variety of visual cultures, Maravilla’s work is autobiographical, referencing his unaccompanied, undocumented migration to the United States due to the Salvadoran Civil War. Across all media, Maravilla explores how the systemic abuse of immigrants physically manifests in the body, reflecting on his own battle with cancer. 
 

Fernando Laposse: Design for Rural Reality

November 14, 2024  |  5:30 p.m.
Michigan Theater
Sponsored by Penny Stamps School of Art & Design

Fernando Laposse specializes in transforming humble natural materials into refined design pieces. Laposse’s works are the result of extensive research which culminates in objects of ​“endemic design” where materials and their historical and cultural ties to a particular location and its people take center stage. He often works with indigenous communities in his native Mexico to create local employment opportunities and raise awareness about the challenges they face in a globalized world.
 

Salute to Latinas: Fuerza de la Mujer Latina “Raíces de Resistencia: Honoring Our Histories and Traditions”

November 15, 2024  |  6:30 p.m.
Rackham Graduate School Assembly Hall, 4th Floor
Sponsored by Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc.

It is a celebration of the rich diversity within the Latine community, recognizing the unique experiences that shape our identities while emphasizing the strength found in unity. This event highlights the importance of understanding and supporting each other's different backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive and connected campus community. By embracing our differences and shared stories, we aim to build a stronger, more resilient collective.

Latine organizations and resources at U-M

Academic and professional organizations, dance groups and groups for graduate students, fraternities and sororities, and more; plus, resources and external scholarships. Open the printable PDF in Google Drive.

Related news

Past Latine Heritage Months

• 2023
   

Have any questions?

Contact event organizers with inquiries about specific events. Other questions? Contact [email protected].