OKC celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and cultural festivities in September

To celebrate the rich cultural diversity in the Greater Oklahoma City region, September will be filled with exciting multicultural events. Throughout the month, the city will come alive with a wide array of performances, food and activities that highlight the different cultures present in the city. 

Norahua A Través de los Años (September 7) 

Norahua, a local Mexican folklore dance group, will present “Norahua A Través de los Años” (“Norahua Throughout the Years”) for its 30th anniversary at 7 p.m. on September 7 at Oklahoma City Community College’s Visual and Performing Arts Center. Since 1994, Norahua has been dedicated to sharing Mexican folklore across Oklahoma. This event will showcase a vibrant array of traditional costumes and feature a series of folk dances and music representing 15 different Mexican states. Tickets are $25 for general admission. 

LCDA Annual Awards Luncheon (September 11) 

The Latin Community Development Agency will host its 33rd awards luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 11 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. This event provides a valuable opportunity to connect with influential leaders in Oklahoma City’s Latin community while supporting LCDA through a fundraiser. Tickets for the luncheon are $125. 

Fiestas Patrias (September 15)

This celebration of Hispanic culture showcasing the rich heritage and contributions of the Hispanic community filled with vibrant music, traditional dances, cuisine and more. 

Fiestas Patrias is a free community event with activities for families and children, including official patrimony ceremonies and the crowning of Miss Fiestas Patrias. Fiestas Patrias will be held on Sunday, Sept. 15 at the Oklahoma City Community College Festival Grounds.

2024 Presente en Oklahoma! (September 24) 

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, the Oklahoma Historical Society will host “2024 Presente en Oklahoma!” on September 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center. The event is dedicated to honoring the history, heritage and contributions of individuals from the Hispanic and Latino communities who have significantly shaped Oklahoma’s culture. 

The luncheon will begin with a book signing by award-winning author Mariana Llanos. Attendees will hear from guest speakers who will honor individuals such as Tina Peña of Peru, Patricia Fennell of Ecuador, Veronica Zelada of Guatemala, Dr. Daniel Molina (Mexican-American) and Shannon Yolanda Calderon Primeau (Mexican-American). 

Jesse Guardiola, VP of Community Engagement and Government Relations for United Way of Tulsa, will deliver the keynote address. The event will be emceed by attorney Monica Ybarra-Weedn with closing remarks from Jorge Hernandez, Co-Founder of Tango PR and a highly recognized member of the Latino community in Oklahoma. 

The program will feature vibrant art performances, including Columbian-born violinist Angelica Pereira, who has played with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and other symphony orchestras and music programs; Colten Hernandez, who will perform a Flamenco dance; and Hilda de Leon Xavier, who will perform a folkloric dance from Guatemala. Puerto Rican singer and songwriter Lee Hernán will conclude the event. 

Registration is open until Thursday, September 19, at 11:59 p.m., with tickets priced at $50 for Oklahoma Historical Society members and $75 for nonmembers. 

Silk & Spices Gala (September 27) 

The Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber will present the Silk & Spices Gala from 6-11 p.m. on September 27 at the La Bella Event Center in Oklahoma City. 

The gala will offer a rich variety of Asian cultures through an evening filled with food and beverage, music, entertainment and traditional cultural experiences. Guests will enjoy a vibrant celebration that highlights the diversity of Asian heritage in Oklahoma City. 

Tickets are priced at $150, and a range of sponsorship opportunities are available. 

Fiestas de las Américas (September 28) 

Fiestas de las Américas, the largest Latino festival in Oklahoma City, will be held on September 28 in the Historic Capitol Hill district.  

The celebration will kick off with the Parade of the Americas, taking place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., stretching from Scissortail Park to Calle Dos Cinco. The parade will showcase nearly 100 diverse participants, including schools, businesses, community groups, leaders, vibrant group floats and more.  

The festivities will continue throughout the day with many family-friendly activities. Guests can experience a kids fiestas zone, El Mercado, art exhibits, artist alley, food trucks, live music and activities on the cultural stage.