'We're stronger together': Milwaukeeans celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month kicking off

By: Montse Ricossa

Posted: Sep 15, 2026 10:34 AM CDT | Updated: Sep 15, 2026 5:18 PM CDT

NOW: ’We’re stronger together’: Milwaukeeans celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month kicking off

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Hispanic Heritage Month kicked off Sept. 15, running through Oct. 15. While it's not common for nationally recognized heritage months to begin halfway through a month, Sep. 15 is a very important date for many Latinos.

Five Latin American countries celebrate their independence this day (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua). Then, on Sep. 16, Mexico celebrates its Independence Day, followed by Chile on the 18th and Belize on the 21st. So, the nationally recognized date recognizes the importance of our history by starting halfway through, while still allowing for 30 days of celebrations. It all started in 1968 with President Lyndon B. Johnson declaring the week of Sept. 15 as "National Hispanic Heritage Week." Twenty years later, President Ronald Reagan dedicated a whole month to their rich culture.

"Were stronger together, we're a strong community and we're here to stay" -- Jesus Lomeli

"Our community is very vibrant, very colorful, very loud," shared Jesus Lomeli, branding and outreach specialist for Mexican Fiesta. While he was born in the United States, his roots stretch back to Mexico. "I just love the tradition, love the culture, and not forgetting where we come from."

CBS 58

Cubanitas is said to be Wisconsin's only entirely-Cuban restaurant, and they're celebrating 23 years this Thursday!

"To our family, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month means a lot. Just to highlight ourselves for a moment in time and to really show how amazing and diverse is especially," said manager Cristina Bianchini. Lou Ortega said he was born in Brazil, growing up in Venezuela and Panama before moving to Miami. For him, eating at Cubanitas is remembering "the type of food I used to grow up with."

This month, a portion of their mojito sales will benefit Latino Arts, a nonprofit in Milwaukee providing Hispanic cultural arts programming. Bianchini said as a family, they felt they had "to support another amazing organization that will continue to fuel Hispanic arts."

Those celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month say it's more important than ever to show their pride. "There's a lot of pride in your nationality, in your history, in your bloodline, in your family, and not because of immigration or political issues, it should overshadow that," said Alicia Rodriguez, who was eating at Cubanitas on Sept. 15. "Regardless of what's going on politically, we should all be out and about," added Ortega.

CBS 58

There are celebrations happening nationwide, and right here in Southeast Wisconsin, where everyone is welcome:

Milwaukee Public Museum is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month through Oct. 15 through "special events, interactive programs, and artifact spotlights." There is free admission on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mexican Fiesta and the Mexican Consulate are hosting Mexican Independence Day's "El Grito" or "Cry of Freedom" at Flores Hall on S. 20th St. in Milwaukee, doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
A Community Run/Walk is organized for Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. at Zócalo Food Truck Park by Buena Tierra Run Club
Cubanita's 23rd anniversary is taking place Sept. 17 at their Milwaukee location from 6:30-8:15 p.m. Reservations are recommended as there will be live music!
"Nuestra Herencia" celebration is taking place Sept. 20 from 12 to 5 p.m. on S. 16th Street in Milwaukee, featuring a "full day of entertainment" including music, food, and family fun.
A Hispanic Heritage Month Pop-Up Market on Saturday, Sep. 26, from 12 to 5 p.m. takes place at The Sugar Maple in Milwaukee, highlighting local Hispanic creatives
3rd Street Market Hall is hosting a Hispanic Heritage Month Closeout Celebration on Thursday, Oct. 8, starting at 4 p.m., with music, performances, food, market, and resources
In honor of the Day of the Dead, Racine is hosting a Community Ofrenda.

At Latino Arts, there's a month long of activities planned for HHM, including a special dance on October 9th starting at 7 PM. It's called "Beats & Baile: A Salsa Social." Go here to get tickets.