It’s officially Hispanic Heritage Month! The annual celebration that celebrates us Latines from September 15 to October 15. To maximize our time and get the most out of this year’s festivities, Modern Muze has put together a diverse guide to get you off doomscrolling and into exploring what this month is really about.

Every month is Hispanic Heritage Month if you’re Latine. From the way we dress to the way we speak to the niche habits we’ve been taught by our parents and grandparents. But if you didn’t grow up hearing our communities’ music or reading their words, how can you start embracing (or continuing to embrace) your Latin side? Don’t worry, we have you covered.

From lucha libre in Los Angeles to salsa classes in New York, here are five activities you can do to indulge in our communities’ richness this month.

Cultural events in Los Angeles

There are so many cultural events happening in Los Angeles. 

For music lovers, there is a special mariachi programming at The Soraya in Northridge, CA, featuring Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán on September 24. “As September is one of the most meaningful months in Mexican culture — a time when music, family, tradition, and national pride collide — Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán brings an all-new concert inspired by the spirit of El Grito de Independencia, the traditional call to arms against Spanish rule on the eve of Sep 16, 1810,” the website reads.

If you’re more into visuals—we also have something special for you. 

The Museum of Latin American Art is hosting a cool Lucha Libre event from September 25 to 27. “Mark your calendars for an unforgettable month filled with high-flying action, colorful masks, and the vibrant spirit of one of Latin America’s most beloved cultural traditions,” the website describes. “Watch legendary luchadores clash in the ring as the museum transforms into a lively arena of energy, music, and community.”

Throughout the weekend, there will be book launches, performances, film screenings, meet & greets, and more. 

Check out MOLAA’s official website for more information.

Latine authors to read

There are a lot of Latine authors to get into this fall season (and beyond). To get a general look at what’s out now, you can check out the Los Angeles Libros Festival — a bilingual family-friendly event that will keep you busy all day. “Los Angeles Libros Festival will offer a full day of entertainment featuring Spanish-language and bilingual storytelling, musical performances, authors, workshops, books, and community. Free and open to the general public.”

Check out the event’s page here.

And talking about Latina authors. We also want to give a special shout-out to Karla Montalvan, who is one of our founders’ favorite authors. Her book The Sun and All the Other Stars just came out in April, so let’s support her and show her some love! 

Cultural events in New York

Not everything is LA! New York, we also have cool cultural things in mind for you. 

Lets start with El Museo del Barrio’s events. There are so many types of activities going on there. One of the events that caught our attention is the “Noches de Cine: New Latino Short Films,” which features selected films every month. For Hispanic Heritage Month (September 24), they are showing a variety of short films for one night only.

Check out more about El Museo del Barrio here.

And if you’re more into music—The Hispanic Museum & Library in New York City is hosting salsa socials! “Spend your Saturday afternoon salsa dancing at the Hispanic Society. Whether you’re a first-time dancer or experienced salsero, all levels are welcome,” the website reads. The next one is on September 26. 

Check out more about the “¡Wepa! Summer Salsa Socials at the Hispanic Society” program here.