Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff

Latin music, folkloric dance and cultural tributes open Miami-Dade County’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month observance in Downtown Miami. The kickoff takes place Tuesday, September 15, at the Stephen P. Clark Center, coinciding with the independence day shared by Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Presented by the Miami-Dade County Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board, the 2026 program carries the theme “Unidos, Somos Más” and also recognizes America’s 250th anniversary.

Performers include salsa singers Melina Almodóvar, known as “La Muñeca de la Salsa,” Dayna “La Diamante” and Marlin de la Salsa, along with Central and South American folkloric groups. La Diamante will perform music associated with Celia Cruz, while Almodóvar’s set will include a tribute to Colombia and Venezuela.

The free gathering begins a monthlong celebration of the cultures and contributions of Spanish-speaking communities represented throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean.