Celebrate the diverse cultures, cuisines, and history of Hispanic and Latino communities in the U.S. during National Hispanic Heritage Month, running from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
Why mid-September to mid-October? Because many Latin American countries from Mexico to Chile celebrate their independence days during this month-long period.
Over 13,000 Hispanics call Pittsburgh home. They've formed advocacy groups, started restaurants and businesses, established cultural centers, and made countless other contributions to this city. As ICE agents intimidate our neighbors and make business owners feel unsafe, it’s more important than ever to recognize that Hispanic and Latino people have always been here — even before the founding of the U.S. — and will continue to call this country home.
Here’s what to do, where to eat, and ways to support Pittsburgh’s Hispanic community:
🎉 What To Do
Sept. 21, Latin American Cultural Center. $10
Photojournalist Federico Ríos Escobar will discuss his new photo book Darién that tells stories from Darién Gap — a treacherous stretch of dense jungle that straddles Colombia and Panamá, which many migrants cross en route to the U.S.
Sept. 23, Heinz History Center. Museum admission required
Kids under five can sing songs, listen to stories, and make crafts at this family-friendly event. Led by Casa San José’s Israel Centeno, up to three children can attend (and explore the rest of the museum) for free with adult general admission. Pro tip: RAD Pass offers free tickets to the museum.
Sept. 24, Benedum Hall. Free with registration.
Pitt Law professor Sheila Vélez Martínez will give an on-campus lecture as part of the University’s Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
Sept. 26, Andy Warhol Museum. Museum admission required.
A full day of festivities starts at 11 a.m. with Spanish-language tours of the galleries, flamenco dancing, a drag performance, and the opportunity to make your own pop art-style screen prints. Double pro tip: RAD Pass also offers free tickets.
Oct. 10, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Main. Free.
My incredibly talented friend, Pitt MFA classmate, and groomsman Jared Lemus is returning to the proverbial ‘Burgh to discuss his excellent debut short story collection Guatemalan Rhapsody (buy a copy and get him to sign it!). He’ll also discuss his upcoming novel Magic in the Land of Eternal Spring, which you can preorder now (I already did!).
Oct. 10, F.N.B. Stadium. Tickets start at $27.60.
Our beloved men’s soccer team takes on the Hartford Athletic in this nighttime match-up. Enjoy “themed entertainment and a festive matchday atmosphere” as the sun cinematically sets beneath the hills.
🌽 Where To Eat
Garfield
I’ve gotten El Colibri from the Bloomfield Saturday Market a bunch of times now and am super excited to finally go to their newly opened brick-and-mortar. Crucially, all of their food is gluten-free — which is great because my wife has celiac. I’ve found that many Latin Americans cuisines are often naturally gluten-free, since so many dishes are corn-based.
Beechview, Brookline, Oakland
ICE recently targeted the grocery store and taco stand’s Beechview location, another example of how federal agents are disrupting communities across the country. Las Palmas is a Pittsburgh institution — I have fond memories of visiting the South Oakland location for unbeatably cheap tacos before class in Cathy — and is fighting against the odds to survive.
Oakland, South Side Flats
Arepas stuffed with stewed meat and fried plantains — what’s not to like? They also offer bowls, salads, and empanadas. And most of their menu is gluten-free!
Downtown
I don’t go Downtown super often, but when I had time to spare before a Greyhound trip I got arepas from this excellent hole-in-a-wall that’s tucked beneath a parking garage. City Paper’s readers even declared it the best restaurant in Downtown and the Strip back in 2023. (Guess what? They also have great gluten-free options.)
💪 How To Help
The ACLU’s Vanessa Stine spoke to us about what rights people have when ICE is nearby (regardless of their immigration status), as well as how bystanders can assist during an ICE encounter.
ACLU-PA also published know-your-rights guides in English and Spanish about what to do when interacting with law enforcement.
If you believe you witnessed ICE activity in the Pittsburgh region, you can call Casa San José’s main line at 412-343-3111. If you witness or are experiencing ICE detention, you can call their emergency response number at 412-736-7167. They also published a comprehensive guide about more ways to volunteer and give support this Hispanic Heritage Month.
You can also call Frontline Dignity’s hotline at 412-536-6423 to report potential ICE activity. The organization is hosting a rapid response training on Sept. 23 in Aliquippa — no prior experience is necessary.
