Hispanic Heritage Month in Birmingham—your guide to food, festivals + more

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with McWane in Birmingham. (McWane Science Center)
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with McWane in Birmingham. (McWane Science Center)

National Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15-October 15, celebrating the histories of Hispanic Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Find out how you can get involved with experiences around Birmingham designed to highlight the enduring impact and diverse traditions of the Hispanic culture.

1. Fiesta BHAM | Linn Park

  • Why go: Come out to Linn Park for a family-friendly festival that celebrates Hispanic arts + culture. Fiesta BHAM is Alabama’s largest Hispanic celebration including various villages for an immersive experience.
  • When: Saturday, September 30 | Noon
  • Where: Linn Park, 710 20th St N, Birmingham, AL, 35203
  • Cost: Advance tickets: $15 | Children ages 12 and under: FREE
  • Tickets here

2. Latin American Heritage Festival | Birmingham Museum of Art

Latin American Heritage Festival
It’s fiesta time at the Latin American Heritage Festival on September 23. (Birmingham Museum of Art)

3. History Makers—McWane Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Learn all about Hispanic Scientists and their contributions at McWane Science Center. (McWane Science Center)
Learn all about Hispanic Scientists and their contributions at McWane Science Center. (McWane Science Center)

McWane is a great place to join the fun and learn something new. During the month-long observance, they’ll explore and highlight many Hispanic Scientists and their contributions to the world of science.

Here’s a look at some of the Hispanic Scientists doing big things:

  • McConnell Duberg—a Professor of Neuroscience and Cell Biology at Yale University School of Medicine; his lab studies the cell biology of the synapse during development and learning. 
  • Lydia Villa-Komaroff—a molecular and cellular biologist who has been an academic laboratory scientist, a university administrator and a business woman. 
  • Sabrina Gonzalez Pasterski—a theoretical physicist studying high-energy physics. 

National Hispanic Heritage Month event details

  • When: Friday, September 15-Sunday, October 15 | Wed-Fri, 9AM-5PM; Sat, 10AM-5PM; Sun, Noon-5PM
  • Where: McWane Science Center
  • Cost: General admission to McWane
  • Tickets

4. Celebrate with diverse food around The Magic City

Tacos that will make your mouth-water. (Cecilia Wood / Bham Now)
Tacos that will make your mouth-water. (Cecilia Wood / Bham Now)

There’s no better way to celebrate than with tasting the diversity of Latina and Hispanic Foods. Need a bite to eat? Check out these 5 Hispanic-owned restaurants in Birmingham. Looking to cook at home? Shop 7 Mexican markets that you’ll want to add to your grocery rotation.

5. Get involved with ¡HICA! 

¡HICA!
The 2nd annual Bham Pig Roast in 2022. (¡HICA!)

Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (¡HICA!) was founded in Birmingham in 1999 to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities faced by Hispanic families who came to Alabama searching for a better quality of life. The team in Birmingham is working hard to make sure families have access to the resources they need. Find out more about what ¡HICA! does for the community of Birmingham and how you can get involved.

Looking for additional fun? Check out five more events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Alabama.

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Lauren Perry
Lauren Perry
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