Northeastern Illinois University to Host “Soaring in Cultura” Latine Heritage Month 2026

Northeastern Illinois University is excited to host Latine Heritage Month festivities throughout September and October. Events will be held on the Main Campus, 5500 N. St. Louis Ave., and at El Centro, 3390 N. Avondale Ave., in Chicago. 

The University is the longest-standing four-year public Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in the Midwest. As such, activities will also take place specifically for students and employees during National HSIs Week, which runs from Sept. 14-20, 2026. 

“As I celebrate my first Latine Heritage Month at NEIU, I’m especially excited to see our community come together around this year’s theme, “Soaring in Cultura: NEIU Together,” said Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Eric J. Pegués, Ed.D. “Through the work of the Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs, we have an important opportunity not only to celebrate the histories, cultures, voices and contributions of Latine communities, but also to foster connection, learning and belonging throughout our University.” 

The United States recognizes Latine Heritage Month (also known as Hispanic Heritage Month) from Sept. 15-Oct. 15 because of the number of significant anniversaries for many Latin American countries that fall within that time. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all commemorate their anniversaries of independence on Sept. 15. Mexico recognizes its independence day on Sept. 16. Chile’s independence day is Sept. 18. Additionally, Día de la Raza (“Day of the People/Race”) — which honors and commemorates countries and people that were conquered by Spain and other European countries — is observed by many Spanish-speaking countries on Oct. 12 as an alternative to Columbus Day.

“Celebrating Latine Heritage Month at NEIU is important because it gives our students, staff, faculty, families and community an opportunity to see their cultures, histories, identities and experiences reflected and valued across the University,” said Pedroso Center Associate Director of Latinx Student Engagement Danny Cortez. “It is also a chance for us to build connection, strengthen belonging and celebrate the incredible diversity that exists within our Latine communities.”

The Pedroso Center and Northeastern’s El Centro location have coordinated a number of free events for the University and general public to celebrate the Latine Heritage Month, including: 

• La Taquiza: Sept. 16, 3-6 p.m., El Centro
• ENgaging Latinx Communities for Education Graduate Panel: Sept. 17, 5-7 p.m., Main Campus, Building B, Pedroso Center, B 159
• La Copa Soccer Tournament: Sept. 19, 9 a.m., Main Campus, P.E. Complex, Outdoor Field
• Sonidos de Nuestra Cultura: A Mariachi Celebration: Sept. 26, 11a.m.-3 p.m., El Centro
• Sanando en Comunidad: Latinas, Salud y Fuerza: Oct. 1, 5-7 p.m., El Centro
• Latina Equal Pay Day: Oct. 8, 5-7 p.m., Main Campus, Student Union, Alumni Hall
• Noche de Familia: Oct. 15, 6-9 p.m., El Centro

Additionally: 

• NEIU Libraries has coordinated a Latine Heritage Month virtual book display with ebooks, streaming media, and links to Latine collections. A physical display will also be available to view at the Ronald Williams Library. 
• The Department of Music and Dance will present a free Latine Heritage Month vocal performance on Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. on the Main Campus in the Recital Hall. 

“I’m deeply grateful to Danny Cortez and the amazing committee of NEIU students, faculty and staff whose passion, creativity and leadership have brought this celebration to life,” said Dr. Pegués. “I hope everyone who participates leaves feeling more connected to our community and inspired by what we can accomplish when we soar together.”

Top photo: A mariachi band played outside of Northeastern Illinois University during a previous Latine Heritage Month.