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Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15 and it is a great time to learn more about the diversity of Hispanic and Latina/e/o/x experiences and cultures. In 2020, the U.S. Hispanic population was an estimated 62 million out of the total U.S. population of 331.4 million.

We know that just one descriptor can hardly capture the spirit and cultures of so many people who descend from a vast geography that includes present-day Southwestern U.S. states to the southern most tip of South America, and nearly every present-day country and island in between. This is why you'll see many different ways in which people describe themselves and their heritage. You'll see the terms Latina, Latino, and their non-gendered versions Latine and Latinx. You might also see people identify as Hispanic, Chicano, Tejano, Taino, Isleños, Boricua, Afro-Latino, in addition to the many more terms used for people who have families and ancestors in the 22 nations and territories that comprise Latin America. 

Hear and see an array of voices and stories in this collection of programs and documentaries. We hope you see yourself represented.



Lights, Camera, Acción

From American Masters:

Discover the candid perspectives of Latine actors, writers, producers, directors, and showrunners across generations as they dissect the ever-evolving issue of Latine representation in Hollywood. Featuring Edward James Olmos, John Leguizamo, Xolo Maridueña ("Cobra Kai"), and Julissa Calderon ("Gentefied"), Peter Murrieta ("Mr. Iglesias"), Marvin Lemus ("Gentefied") and more.

This film was just awarded a 2022 Imagen Award for Best Short Film!



El Paisa


From the 2024 PBS Short Film Festival:

After being rescued by a charismatic vaquero on the streets of East L.A., gay goth skater Fernando must put an end to closeted young love, leading to personal transformation and a newfound connection to familia.

Learn more about the filmmaker Daniel Eduvijes Carrera in this Q&A conducted by Latino Public Broadcasting.



Jovita Idar: Mexican American Activist and Journalist

From American Masters:

Jovita Idar (1885-1946) helped organize the first Mexican American civil rights conference in 1911 to address racism, lynching, and dismal educational opportunities for Mexican American children.


Sabor Artico: Latinos en Alaska


From VOCES:

Latinos face unique challenges in the Arctic environment where things can be extreme, remote, and sometimes inaccessible. “Sabor Ártico: Latinos En Alaska,” a short documentary, introduces viewers to a growing population of Latinos in Alaska through poignant interviews that give insight on the importance of food and culture in adapting to the Arctic environment and in forging their identity.



Explore Food and Recipes of Hispanic and Latino Cultures


Let's be honest, food is one of the most delightful ways to learn about one's culture. Food is love! Each ingredient is a note in the song that tells the history and movement of a people. The different flavors of the many Hispanic and Latino communities tell us about the environment, the pace of life, and the celebrations. And of course, there are dishes that will transport us home with just one bite. We could talk about food and how meaningful it is all day long so let us stop here and serve up some programs and documentaries that highlight the food and recipes of Hispanic and Latino cultures.

First, travel to the U.S.-Mexico border with James Beard Award-winning Pati Jinich to learn about the unique recipes (like Caesar salad!) created when diverse cultures meet. Then learn to make a mole de plátano with Guatemalan chef Amalia Moreno-Damgaard and Relish host Yia Vang.


Watch concerts that celebrate Hispanic and Latino heritage


Music and dance are integral to Latino cultures. It's how people share stories, move with intention, and pass on the rhythms of life to future generations. These concerts show different styles of music and a variety of musical artists. Press play and enjoy the rhythms of life.


Take a Dance Break: Dances of the Latino Diaspora

Name a dance step that originates from Latin America. We'll go first: salsa. And bomba. And tango. And bachata. And rumba. Son. Quebradita. Folclorico. And we could go on and on. Dance is a way of sharing culture and stories. The KQED series If Cities Could Dance has featured the many communities across the nation telling their stories through dance.


Profiles of Latinos and Latinas in STEM


Watch documentaries about just two of the many notable STEM pioneers in U.S. history: Jose Hernandez and Ynés Mexía. Hernandez (born August 7, 1962) grew up in a family of migrant farmworkers in California's Central Valley. He went on to study electrical engineering and then fulfilled a life-long dream of becoming NASA astronaut. Mexía (May 24, 1870 - July 12, 1938) was a botanist and early environmentalist. She was an incredibly prolific plant collector and is credited with identifying 500 species of plants, of which 50 are named in her honor.


Latinos Are Essential


Meet Latinos from all over the country who helped their communities through the COVID-19 pandemic. You can also stream the whole series on the PBS app.