Every year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month serves not just as a commemoration of Hispanic culture, but an invitation to take stock of how it shapes our communities. In Sarasota and Manatee counties, that impact is both visible and enduring. Nearly 10 percent of Sarasota County residents and close to 18 percent of Manatee County residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, a demographic shift that points to the same truth: Hispanic heritage here is not a side note. It's central to the region’s identity—past, present, and future.

The month started when President Lyndon Johnson introduced National Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. During Ronald Reagan’s presidency, Congress passed a law to extend it into a month-long holiday that was first celebrated in 1989. 

🏛️ Opening Day: Nuestro Vaivén (Our Sway)

Saturday, Oct. 4, The Ringling Museum of Art, Circus Museum, Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion and Bayfront Gardens, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

The Ringling kicks off one of its largest contemporary Latin art exhibitions with a full day of free programming and free admission to multiple venues. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can join art-making activities on the North Searing lawn. From 2 to 4 p.m., artist Rigoberto Torres will host a live art casting event in the MakerSpace. Plus, food trucks will be on site with food and beverages for purchase.  Nuestro Vaivén (Our Sway) runs through March 22, 2026. Click here for more information. 

Nuestro Vaivén (Our Sway)

Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025–Sunday, March 22, 2026, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Ringling Museum (Ulla R. and Arthur F. Searing Wing), 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

This landmark exhibition at The Ringling marks its first major show by Latin contemporary artists. Featuring 22 creators from Latin America and Florida, the work ranges from abstract to realistic and includes painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, and video. Community voices from Sarasota and Manatee are woven into the show through personal stories about work, family, and identity. Tickets are included with museum admission. More info here.

Rafael Ramírez: Chronicle of a Time That Was

Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 11 a.m.; Thursday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 31, at 7:30 p.m., Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

Art and flamenco converge in this visceral performance from Rafael Ramírez, paying tribute to the iconic flamenco dancer and film artist Antonio Gades on the 20th anniversary of his passing. Key moments from Gades’ life are reinterpreted through contemporary flamenco dance and live music, exploring essence, audacity and creative innovation. Tickets: $40-$50 (subscribers save 10 percent off single ticket prices).

Did You Know?

68 million

The Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2024, making it the nation’s largest racial or ethnic minority — 20 percent of the total population. 

15

The number of states with one million or more Hispanic residents in 2024 — Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington. 

31.2

The median age of the Hispanic population in 2024, up from 30.9 in 2023. 

Source: U.S. Census Bureau 

To learn more about local Hispanic and LatinX advocacy, programs, events and culture throughout the year, check out nonprofits, Unidos Now and CreaArte Latino Cultural Center, Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce and Latinas of the Women's Resource Center.