September 15th marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a vibrant celebration of the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. From the rich traditions of Mexico to the rhythmic beats of the Caribbean and the diverse heritage of Central and South America, this month is a wonderful opportunity to honor the profound impact these communities have had on our nation and, specifically, right here in the Elgin area!
Here’s a glimpse of what you might experience during Hispanic Heritage Month:
Events
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Colores & Cultura: A Bilingual Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Through Art at Gail Borden Public Library – South Elgin Branch
Gail Borden - South Elgin Branch South Elgin, ILCelebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with art, creativity, and community! Join us for a fun, hands-on painting class led by local Latino artist Javi Azuna. Javi will guide participants step-by-step as they create their own painting, learn new painting techniques, and explore the cultural inspiration behind the artwork. No painting experience is needed, and all materials will be provided! Come have […]
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Jane Barbosa Legacy Brunch
Elgin Community CollegeJoin Elgin Community College as it kicks off this year's Latinx Heritage Celebration, Growing Beyond Our Roots (Creciendo Más Allá de Nuestras Raíces), and honor the enduring legacy of Jane Barbosa—community leader, founder of OLAS, and champion for educational opportunity. Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Sandy Lopez, retired Director of the Undocumented Student Resource Center at Northern Illinois University, a longtime […]
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Latinx Heritage Month: Bienvenida Fest
Elgin Community CollegeConnect with campus and community resources designed to support your academic and personal success while enjoying live music, delicious food, relay games with We Rise, dance performances with OLAS, and much more. Meet new people, build community, explore the vibrant richness of Latinx culture, and discover the many ways to get involved at ECC! Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 Time: […]
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30 Años de Tradición with Ballet Folklórico Huehuecoyotl
Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College 1700 Spartan Dr, Elgin, ILFor 30 years, Ballet Folklórico Huehuecoyotl (BFH) has celebrated the strength, spirit, and cultural pride of our Mexican community. Our story is rooted in resilience — families who worked hard, faced challenges, and kept tradition alive through music, dance, and community. Every stomp and every swirl of color honors that journey. Folk dance becomes our voice, our history, and our […]
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30 Años de Tradición with Ballet Folklórico Huehuecoyotl
Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College 1700 Spartan Dr, Elgin, ILFor 30 years, Ballet Folklórico Huehuecoyotl (BFH) has celebrated the strength, spirit, and cultural pride of our Mexican community. Our story is rooted in resilience — families who worked hard, faced challenges, and kept tradition alive through music, dance, and community. Every stomp and every swirl of color honors that journey. Folk dance becomes our voice, our history, and our […]
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Day of the Dead Community Ofrenda at Gail Borden Public Library
Gail Borden Public LibraryGail Borden Public Library will have a space in its Grove Room of the Main Library for the Day of the Dead Community Ofrenda. This is a space for reflection, healing and cultural connection where we honor loved ones who are no longer with us. If you would like to honor a loved one in the Community Ofrenda, send a […]
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El Trote De Las Calacas Lively Cultural Event & Certified 5K Race
Gail Borden Public Library 270 N Grove Ave 270 N Grove Ave, Elgin, ILThe Gail Borden Public Library District Foundation and the U-46 Educational Foundation have partnered to create an extraordinary race and fall season for this community. On Saturday, October 10, El Trote De Las Calacas (the Skeleton Trot), a USTF certified 5K race (and walk) steps off amid music and fanfare at 9 am on a course that begins at the Gail Borden Public […]
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Sugar Skull! – A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure
Elgin Community College Arts Center 1700 Spartan Dr, Elgin, ILVita thinks her family has gone loco planning a celebration for deceased loved ones. Why throw a party for the dead? But when a spirited candy skeleton suddenly springs to life, Vita finds herself on a magical, musical journey to unravel the true meaning of Día de Muertos. An exciting bilingual/bicultural musical for the entire family, with traditional regional music […]
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Sugar Skull! – A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure
Elgin Community College Arts Center 1700 Spartan Dr, Elgin, ILVita thinks her family has gone loco planning a celebration for deceased loved ones. Why throw a party for the dead? But when a spirited candy skeleton suddenly springs to life, Vita finds herself on a magical, musical journey to unravel the true meaning of Día de Muertos. An exciting bilingual/bicultural musical for the entire family, with traditional regional music […]
