Celebrating Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month!
Upcoming Events and Resources
From September 15 to October 15, the Mosaic Center honors the resilience, cultural richness, and deep-rooted contributions of the Hispanic and Latine/x community at UMBC. This month, we invite the campus to engage in storytelling, arts-based creation, celebration, and dance as we recognize the vibrant presence that continues to shape our university.
Why Mid-September to Mid-October?
National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, marking the anniversaries of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico (September 16), Chile (September 18), and Belize (September 21) follow closely behind. This important timeframe of independence also encompasses observances like October 12, recognized in various ways across Latin America, such as the "Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity" in Argentina, to honor Indigenous histories and ongoing journeys toward justice.
The Hispanic and Latine/x community has profoundly influenced our country through their deep-rooted commitments to family, faith, hard work, and service. We are all enriched by their shared culture through centuries-old traditions and the vibrant, multiethnic, multicultural customs they carry, which continue to evolve. We invite all to engage in learning and uplift the contributions, experiences, and life-giving work of all Hispanic and Latine community members during this heritage month and throughout the year.
To learn more about this heritage month, check out this post here.
Navigating Terminology: Hispanic vs. Latine
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Hispanic: Generally refers to people from Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain.
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Latino / Latina / Latine: Refers to people with cultural or ancestral ties to Latin America and the Caribbean, regardless of language (typically excluding Spain).
The Mosaic Center firmly affirms individual and community-led identification. Individuals may identify with one, both, or neither of these terms. The naming of our events and initiatives is always done in relationship with students and community members.
Community, Joy, and Resistance
At a time when many of our communities, especially our Hispanic & Latine community, continue to face threats, violence, erasure, and growing experiences of unsafety, community, love, and expression are more important than ever. Celebrating and engaging in community together is a powerful form of resistance, healing, and joy. It is through shared spaces that we find strength, validation, and the opportunity to uplift one another.
We encourage all members of the UMBC community to come together, whether by attending events, sharing stories, or supporting identity-based spaces. If you are looking for community, you are not alone. The Mosaic Center/Student Belonging and campus groups offer intentional spaces for belonging, cultural heritage events, and opportunities for dialogue and celebration throughout the year.
Campus Organizations/Groups:
- Hispanic and Latino Student Union (HLSU) (@umbc_hlsu)
- Latinx and Hispanic Graduate Student Association (LHGSA) (@umbc_lhgsa)
- Society of Advancing Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) (@umbcsacnas)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) (@shpeumbc)
- Herencia UMBC (@herencia_umbc)
- Lambda Theta Alpha Sorority Inc. (LTA) (@lta_betakappa)
- Latine/x/Hispanic Faculty Association (LHFA)
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, September 15 | 11 AM - 12 PM | Commons 2B23 The Mosaic
Come and learn the history of latine activism through timelines and dialogue. Honor those who came before us that guarantee protections and rights for immigrants and workers
- Queerios: Machismo, Jesucristo, y Tradición
Wednesday, September 23 | 12 PM - 1:30 PM | UC 310
Queerios is a large group dialogue-based program on querying and queering different topics relevant to current events in and around our community. We will gather and converse while enjoying a cereal bar and other treats. Come join us for great conversation, new connections, and of course…cereal!
Wednesday, September 23 | 5 PM - 6:30 PM | AOK Library Gallery
“If we can't imagine a free, liberated world in language, how can we build one?” - George Abraham
It’s been a hard year. Between ICE terrorizing our neighborhoods and federal and state legislators stripping LGBTQ+ rights, belonging in this country is feeling more impossible than we can remember. And yet, there’s promise in impossibility. How can we, as poets, cuentistas, and artists, build belonging on and off the page?
In this 90-minute workshop, we will read poems by Natalie Diaz, Julian Randall, Eduardo Corral, and Denice Frohman. Writing prompts inspired by their work will invite us to reflect on the spaces that embrace us — and the ones that refuse us — and what they teach us about ourselves, the world, and what comes next.
Friday, September 25 | 5:30 PM - 8 PM | UC Ballroom
Join us for our Annual Bachata / Salsa Night! In 2026, we will have an active bachata dance lesson where you can practice dancing with both an instructor and peers. Bring your friends and be ready for a night of rhythm and fun! A valid UMBC ID is required.
No prior dance experience required!
Monday, September 28 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | The Commons Mainstreet (in front of the Bookstore)
Join The Mosaic Center & the Center for Religion, Spirituality, & Pluralism as we read and highlight Hispanic & Latine stories through children’s literature. This event is in celebration of Hispanic & Latine/x Heritage Month! Children's literature will be on display centering the stories and experiences of the Hispanic & Latine/x community.
- Unidos: Horchata Edition!
Tuesday, October 6 | 5 PM - 6 PM | Commons 2B23 The Mosaic
For this Unidos, stop by and have a cup of horchata, meet other community members, and engage in cultural storytelling.
Thursday, October 15 | 12 PM - 1:30 PM | Commons Lower Flat Tuesdays
Come and meet Latinx and Hispanic faculty, students, and staff on campus to celebrate Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month. Learn about student orgs, services, and academic opportunities. Food, music, crafts, and more. ¡Te esperamos!
For more information about upcoming events, or events by our wonderful campus partners, check out the Student Belonging Instagram (@umbcbelonging) and the Mosaic myUMBC page.
The Mosaic Center and all events are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.