7 Great Ideas to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month provides the perfect opportunity for businesses and academic institutions to honor and engage with the rich, diverse cultures of Hispanic and Latin American communities. 

Running from September 15 to October 15, this annual celebration is lauded among educational institutes and businesses across the US, but just how to celebrate is the key!

Whether you run a live cooking class, engage in a virtual cycling trip, or dance to the tune of Latin beats, the options are endless!

To help, we have identified seven Hispanic Heritage Month Ideas to move beyond the superficial and create truly impactful experiences for your teams and students.

1. Host a virtual “Taste of Latin America” cooking class

Food is the universal language of culture and connection. Why not bring the gastronomy, and culture behind it, of Latin America to your class or team with a live online cooking class.

Imagine a virtual event where your team or students learn to make authentic Colombian arepas or Peruvian ceviche. Alternately test your hand at creating traditional tortillas with a Mexican abuela – grandma.

“This has been extraordinary so far. Thank you to the Kagumu team for taking such good care of us and helping us have access to these unique experiences!”

Gemma Halfi, Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Emma Willard School

2. Explore different landscapes with virtual field trips

Stories build bridges. Kagumu Adventures offers interactive virtual field trips that transport participants to the heart of Latin America. 

Your university students could take a live, virtual tour of Peru’s iconic Machu Picchu or Colombia’s Lost City, led by a local expert who delves into indigenous traditions and history.

You can also explore Colombia’s City of Eternal Spring, Medellín, on a virtual cycling tour or try your hand at graffiti with a live art class with local artists.

“The students really enjoyed the tour, finding a refreshingly different learning experience – one even commented that it was the best thing that they had done on their University Degree so far!”

Dr Peter Whalley Senior Lecturer in Tourism Management, Sheffield Hallam University

3. Organize a Latin American Dance Class

Feel the Latin rhythm with a unique and hugely enjoyable virtual dance experience.

A professional instructor can teach your team or students the basic steps of Salsa, Bachata, or Merengue. We also accept requests for those keen on more modern Latin beats!

Our expert-led experiences break down barriers, get people moving, and show that learning about a culture can be a joyous and vibrant experience.

4. Launch a “Global Citizens” Sustainability Workshop

For a truly purpose-driven celebration, focus on sustainability. Hispanic and Latin American communities have long been at the forefront of environmental stewardship. 

Kagumu Adventures provides sustainability webinars on topics like reforestation and urban gardening, streamed live from Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Costa Rica and many more…

This is an excellent way for a business to highlight its commitment to corporate social responsibility while engaging employees in meaningful global issues. 

It’s a chance to learn from pioneering leaders and consider how we can all contribute to a more sustainable world.

“I had students in a class this Fall that I wanted to have connect and collaborate with students from other countries, specifically on the SDGs. Kagumu’s webinars are doing very well at exactly that. The perspectives are invaluable, so this is really great!”

Jeff Chamberlain, Dean, Hicks Honors College, University of North Florida

5. Partner with a Hispanic-Owned Business

Think local for this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month! Look for opportunities to support and uplift Hispanic-owned businesses in your community. 

This could be as simple as catering an event with a local restaurant, commissioning artwork from a Hispanic artist, or procuring supplies from a minority-owned supplier. 

Beyond the month, these relationships can lead to lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships.

Tip: simple google search for Latin-owned businesses in my area could unearth a whole host of gems. Otherwise, think of the local restaurants you like!

6. Feature Hispanic Leaders and Innovators

Look even further inward by shining the spotlight on the voices of the Hispanic community within your organization or university. 

Create a series of profiles or a short video series featuring Hispanic employees, alumni, or faculty members. 

Ask them to share their heritage, their career journey, and what this month means to them. 

Sharing these personal stories can inspire others and make your celebration feel authentic and personal.

7. Promote Bilingualism and Language Learning

Offer free or subsidized Spanish language courses to your staff and students. 

You can also host a “Spanish Immersion” week where simple phrases are encouraged in meetings or during social events. It’s a small effort that demonstrates a commitment to breaking down communication barriers and fostering a more inclusive environment.

If you have a younger audience why don’t you share spanish songs with them and get them to learn the lyrics in class. You can start despacito (slowly) so everyone can keep up!

If you need any help, inspiration (or you fancy running one of Kagumu’s virtual education experiences) then get in touch with our friendly team!