Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month With Community Events

Trinity University’s Mexico, the Americas, and Spain (MAS) Program, Student Inclusion and Belonging Office (SIB), and the Trinity University Latino Association (TULA) have prepared an exciting lineup to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month. From September 15 to October 15, Trinity’s community will enjoy various events and activities designed to recognize and celebrate Hispanic and Latin heritage and culture. This annual tradition is a valuable time for Trinity’s community to learn and engage in dialogue with inclusion and belonging.

“Inclusion and belonging are at the heart of Trinity’s values, and one of my favorite expressions is our celebration of Latinx Heritage Month,” says Elseke Membreño-Zenteno, program associate for the Mexico, the Americas, and Spain (MAS) Program within the Center of International Engagement. “This month is more than just a celebration—it’s a meaningful reflection of our ongoing commitment to honoring identity, culture, and community.”

The history of Latinx Heritage Month dates back to 1968, when President Lyndon B. Johnson first recognized it as Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988,  President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a month-long celebration to recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latin Americans to U.S. history, culture, and society. Latinx Heritage Month begins on September 15, reflecting the independence anniversaries of Latin American nations like Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala.

“Among all the events we host, two that are especially close to my heart are El Mercado, organized by SIB, and Viva Las Américas, hosted by TULA,” Membreño-Zenteno says. “These events create spaces for enjoyment, learning, and connection. They not only celebrate Latinx culture but also recognize the invaluable presence and contributions of our Latina/o/x students, faculty, and staff here at Trinity.”

Save the date for the following events. For more information, contact Elseke Membreño-Zenteno at @email or visit Trinity's events calendar.

Creating Our Own Spaces, Latinx Art Exhibit 
September 4 - October 18, 2025 | 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays | Neidorff Art Gallery, DSB 110

View the sculptures, drawings, paintings, and prints that highlight the dynamic diversity of Trinity Latinx alumni Norman Avila, David Elizondo, Nivia Gonzalez, Robert Gonzalez, and Terry Ybañez.

El Mercado: Latinx Heritage Kickoff 
Monday, September 15, 2025 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Magic Stones

Enjoy an afternoon of food, music, and shopping from local San Antonio vendors hosted by SIB.

Picturing SAMOMA: An Artist Talk With Norman Avila
Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Chapman Auditorium

Hear from renowned Latinx artist and Trinity alum Norman Avila ’74.

PRAGDA Spanish Film Festival
September 18-October 30, 2025 | 5:30 p.m. | Dickie Hall 108

Catch a Spanish film during this ongoing film festival.

Film Festival Schedule

Thursday, September 18
We Shall Not Be Moved (No nos moverán)
Pierre Saint Martin Castellanos
Mexico

Friday, September 26
Boca Chica
Gabrielle A. Moses
Dominican Republic

Wednesday, October 1
Monos
Alejandro Landes
Colombia

Wednesday, October 8
My Brothers Dream Awake (Mis hermanos sueñan despierlos)
Claudia Hualquimilla 
Chile

Thursday, October 16
Bacarau
Kleber Mendonça Filho
Brazil

Wednesday, October 22
Chinas
Arantxa Echevarria
Spain

Thursday, October 30
La Cocina
Alonso Ruizpalacios
Mexico, USA

David’s Zine Workshop Art Collective
Friday, September 19, 2025| 2- 4 p.m. | Coates 103

Archiving Your Art featuring Norman Avila
Sunday, September 21, 2025 | 2- 4 p.m. | Landa Library

Join local artist Norman Avila ’74 as he reflects on his artistic journey, highlighting key works and exhibitions from 1976–1979 at the San Antonio Museum of Modern Art. University Archivist Abra Schnur will present Avila’s donated collection and offer tips on how to preserve personal archives at home.

Film Screening: Walk Out
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 5-7 p.m. | TBA

Viva Las Américas 
Friday, October 3, 2025 | 6 p.m. | Laurie Auditorium

Enjoy music, dance, and talent performances hosted by TULA.

Researching Conmemorando a la comunidad, Marina Oquendo ’26, Research Fellow
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 | 6-7 p.m. | DSB Foyer

Making a Statement through Printmaking Workshop 
Sunday, October 19, 2025 | 2 p.m. | Landa Library

Join local artist Terry Ybanez ’82 for an engaging workshop exploring how printmakers use their art to make powerful social statements. Terry will demonstrate relief printmaking techniques and show you how to turn an image into a meaningful message. Participants will create their own soft cut block prints—please bring an image you'd like to use as inspiration. Registration is required.