Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Every year, from September 15 to October 15, San Antonio joins the nation in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to reflect on the profound influence Hispanic and Latino communities have on our city’s history, culture, and future.
Here in District 3, Hispanic roots run deep. From historic missions and vibrant local businesses to festivals that unite neighbors, our community proudly embodies traditions passed down for generations.
A City Built on Culture
San Antonio’s story is deeply intertwined with Hispanic heritage. Landmarks like Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and the San Antonio River Walk showcase centuries of cultural influence, while local arts, food, and music keep those traditions alive.
In District 3, residents see this heritage in:
- Community celebrations like Fiestas Patrias and Diez y Seis de Septiembre
- Local businesses offering authentic food, crafts, and music
- Generational families preserving our unique cultural identity
Local Icons Who Shaped Our City
Emma Tenayuca: Known as “La Pasionaria de Texas,” Emma Tenayuca led the 1938 pecan shellers’ strike – 15,000 workers took a stand for fair wages and humane conditions. Her courage and advocacy helped lay the foundation for workers’ rights in San Antonio and beyond.
Alma López Cavazos: Born in Laredo, López Cavazos moved to San Antonio at an early age with her family. Lopez Cavazos was the first Hispanic woman to be elected Chief Justice of an appellate court in the United States and the highest-ranking justice on the first all-female appeals court in the United States. She served with distinction until her retirement in 2008. Her leadership and judicial trailblazing left an inspiring legacy for women and Hispanic legal professionals.
Yolanda Torres: A history-making educator and civil servant, Yolanda Torres was the first Mexican American woman on the Texas State Board of Education in 1976. Alongside her husband Pete Torres Jr., a groundbreaking city councilman, she helped shape San Antonio’s educational and civic landscape.
Raoul A. Cortez: Raoul Cortez broke ground in Hispanic media as the founder of KCOR, the first full-time Spanish-language radio station in the contiguous U.S. in 1946. Cortez was born in Veracruz, Mexico and eventually settled right here in San Antonio, Texas. His work amplified Latino voices and transformed media in South Texas.
Events & Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Throughout the city, residents can enjoy events honoring Hispanic culture, including:
- Diez y Seis de Septiembre celebrations
- Cultural exhibits at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
- Heritage programs at the San Antonio Public Library
- Local performances, markets, and family-friendly activities
Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran’s Message
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the history, resilience, and contributions of our community. District 3 is proud to stand on the shoulders of generations who shaped San Antonio into the vibrant, diverse city it is today.”
How to Get Involved
- Attend a local heritage event
Support Hispanic-owned businesses in District 3 - Visit San Antonio’s historic missions and cultural landmarks
- Share your family’s traditions and stories with neighbors