At the City Commission Meeting on May 12, 2021, the Mayor and Commission referred a discussion to the Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee to discuss new programing for Hispanic Heritage Month in Miami Beach.

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week and was expanded in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.

Historically, The City of Miami Beach Hispanic Affairs Committee and the Parks and Recreation Department produce programming for the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.

For the 2019 Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, the Miami Beach Hispanic Affairs Committee members worked to identify funding sources to off-set the costs of producing the Hispanic Heritage Concert. The Committee secured sponsorships and donations from Boucher Brothers, Inc., Beach Towing, Inc., Luxurious Living Realty, Inc., Victor Pulido, and 8701 Collins Development, LLC., in the amount of $4,000.00.

Hosted by the the City of Miami Beach and the Hispanic Affairs Committee, The Hispanic Heritage Concert took place on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the North Beach Bandshell. The concert featured Tito Puente Jr. and his Latin Jazz Ensemble, and was free to the public. 

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Miami Beach Hispanic Affairs Committee presented a virtual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.

The Parks and Recreation Department has historically provided family-friendly programming for Hispanic Heritage Month as follows:

• Hispanic Heritage Festival

North Shore Park Youth Center

6:00pm-9:00pm

Activities include performances by the children enrolled in the Parks and Recreation Department After School programs, rides, food, music, dominoes tournament and complimentary Cuban coffee.

• Movie in the Park

Location: TBD

6:00pm-8:00pm

Details: Hispanic heritage themed movie

The Parks and Recreation Hispanic Heritage Month program is budgeted in an amount of up to $18,000 in operating and staffing expenses.