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Amarilys Torres-Nunez
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From September 15 to October 15, the Salem State University community comes together to celebrate the rich histories, lasting contributions, and diverse cultures of Hispanic and Latin@ communities in the United States and around the world.
Throughout the month, students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to participate in a variety of programs and events, from educational conversations and cultural presentations to dance workshops, food tastings, art, film, and community gatherings.
Hispanic & Latin@ Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the vibrant traditions, histories, identities, and experiences of Hispanic and Latino communities across the North Shore, the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, and around the world.
2026 Event List
Celebrate Hispanic & Latin@ Heritage Month with Viking Dining!
September 15-October 15 | North Campus Dining and Cafe & Marsh Dining Hall
Celebrate Hispanic & Latin@ Heritage Month through food! Enjoy a rotating selection of Latin American-inspired cuisines every Wednesday throughout the month at North Cafe and Marsh Dining.
Hispanic & Latin@ Heritage Month Flag Raising
September 15 | 12-1 pm
Riley Plaza, Downtown Salem
Join us as we officially kick off Hispanic & Latin@ Heritage Month with a community flag-raising ceremony in downtown Salem.
Si “No Sabo” Experience: Exploring the Intersections of Spanish-Speaking & Latinx Identity
September 17 | 4:15-6:30 pm
Ellison Campus Center Underground
Join the Center for Justice and Liberation, in collaboration with the Hispanic/Latin@ Heritage Month Planning Committee, for an interactive presentation and discussion exploring language, identity, culture, and belonging. Featuring Michele Davila Goncalves, Faculty Chair of World Languages and Cultures, this program will explore the question: What does it mean to be a “No Sabo” kid?
Together, we’ll discuss how people experience and navigate the Spanish language across regions, generations, and cultures.
Food will be provided!
Bad Bunny & Post-Maria Puerto Rico
September 21 | 12:15–1:15 PM
Zoom
Join Elisa Castillo and Carlie Pierre for a multimedia presentation and discussion exploring Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Using Bad Bunny’s global influence and music as a lens, this program will highlight conversations about the impact of climate change, colonialism, infrastructure, community, resistance, resilience, and Puerto Rican identity.
This public webinar is hosted by the Massachusetts Consortium of Hispanic and Minority Serving Institutions. Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive details on how to join.
LASO: Movie Night
September 23 | 7-9 pm
Ellison Campus Center Underground
Grab some friends and join the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) for a fun movie night featuring a film celebrating Latin American culture!
Meier Hall Mural Ribbon Cutting
September 24 | 5-6:30 pm
Meier Hall Lobby
Join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house celebrating Salem State’s newest campus artwork! Meet the artists, learn more about the mural, and celebrate the cultures and stories represented through this new installation. Refreshments will be served.
Night Market at Casa Abuela
September 25 | 5-8 pm
Casa Abuela Patio, next to the North Shore Community Development Coalition (NSDCD)
96 Lafayette Street, Salem
Join NSCDC and Punto Urban Art Museum for an evening celebrating local culture, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Come support local small businesses and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Night Market!
The Latino Higher Education Landscape in Massachusetts
September 29 | 5-6:30 pm
Sullivan 300
Join the School of Education and Salem State’s HSI-MSI Initiatives for a conversation about Latin@ college students and the institutions that serve them across Massachusetts.
We’ll explore data from the latest White Paper by the Gastón Institute at UMass Boston alongside the researchers who contributed to the report. This is an opportunity to learn more about the importance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions in Massachusetts and to examine the research behind our region’s evolving higher education landscape. Guest Speakers: Fabián Torres-Ardila, Fatema Ahad, and Elisa Castillo
LASO: Worry Doll Workshop
September 30 | 5-6:30 pm
Ellison Campus Center Metro Room
Explore the cultural tradition of worry dolls through a hands-on creative workshop. Learn about the history and cultural significance of worry dolls while creating your own to take home!
The Hispanic-Serving Institution Movement in Massachusetts: How Salem State is Leading the Way with the Roadmap for Servingness & Language Access
October 1 | 5-6:30 pm
Harvard University
1100 Massachusetts Ave., 2nd floor, Cambridge, MA 02138
Salem State’s Elisa Castillo and Michele Davila Goncalves have been invited as guest speakers at Harvard University’s Cervantes Observatory of the Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures in the United States.
They will discuss the growing HSI movement in Massachusetts, Salem State’s intentional approach to becoming an HSI through the Roadmap to Servingness, and the role of language access in creating a more inclusive and responsive experience for students.
El Punto Mural Tour
October 2 | Tour: 6-7 pm | Dinner: 7-8 pm
In honor of Hispanic & Latin@ Heritage Month, join the Center for Justice and Liberation and the Latin@ ERG for a guided tour of the vibrant murals throughout Salem’s Point/El Punto neighborhood.
Learn about the art, history, culture, and stories that shape this vibrant community.
Spots are limited!
Voto y Voz: Your Vote & Voice Matters
October 6 | 3:05–4:20 pm
Forten Hall 123
Join the Berry Institute of Politics and Salem State’s HSI-MSI Initiatives for an important conversation about civic engagement and the role of voter and civic engagement in strengthening our democracy.
We’ll welcome two local leaders who will share their experiences and perspectives:
Javier Juarez, Director of the Latino Equity Fund
Yamily Byas, Salem School Committee Member
Whether or not you are able to register to vote, your voice matters and can have an impact in your community and beyond.
Queer Convos: Queer Students of Color
October 7 | 6–8 pm
Join the Center for Justice and Liberation for their Queer Convo Series. This session will focus on the experiences of queer students of color and create space for students to connect, reflect, and discuss the intersections of queer identity and racial and ethnic identity.
Together, we’ll explore the history and legacy of people of color in the Queer Liberation Movement and discuss the ways queer students of color continue to show up as leaders in their communities. Co-hosted by Dr. Javier Garcia-Perez, Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work.
Food will be provided!
Supporting Our Immigrant Students: Know, Prepare, Support - Faculty Session
October 8 | 4-5 pm
Zoom
Join us for a timely and engaging training designed to help faculty and staff feel more informed, prepared, and confident in supporting our immigrant students. Together, we’ll explore practical ways to create a welcoming and affirming campus environment, discuss thoughtful procedures in the event of immigration enforcement on campus, and learn about bystander rights and available legal services.
We’ll also share important updates related to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and discuss what these changes may mean for our students and campus community.
Empowered & Informed: Know Your Rights — Student Session
October 8 | 5-6 pm
Ellison Campus Center Rm 202 Watch Party | Dinner Provided
Also available via Zoom
Know your rights. Know your options. Feel more prepared.
Join us for a welcoming conversation about navigating everyday situations at home, while driving, in public, and on campus. We’ll share resources for you and your family, opportunities to connect with immigrant-serving organizations, and tools to help you advocate for yourself and your community.
Hispanic Heritage Month Dinner
October 15 | 5-8 pm
Veterans Hall, Ellison Campus Center
Help us close out Hispanic & Latin@ Heritage Month with an evening of food, community, culture, and celebration!
Join students, faculty, staff, and community members as we come together to celebrate the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latin@ communities.
Come celebrate with us!
All made possible by the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee. The committee comprises Inclusive Excellence, HSI-MSI Initiatives, Center for Justice and Liberation, the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), and World Languages and Cultures.
Students and visitors who anticipate needing accommodations for an event due to a disability, or who have questions about access, may contact disability services at access@salemstate.edu.