National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15-October 15

Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate the contributions of these communities year-round, during this month, we want to amplify the contributions made to Tualatin Valley’s culture.

Upcoming Events

El Festival De Mariachi | September 22 | 12-6 p.m. | Hillsboro | Free
El Festival de Mariachi is an event of unity that will bring together community members to celebrate Hispanic culture during Hispanic Heritage Month. Enjoy an array of diverse food offerings and listen to performances from well-known Mariachi Portland and Mariachi México En La Piel, as well as high school mariachi bands from Hillsboro, Forest Grove and Glencoe. Celebrate diversity and inclusivity at this culturally vibrant and exciting family-oriented event.

3rd Annual El Tigre Fest | October 5 | 12-9 p.m. | Tigard | Free
Celebrate Hispanic and Latino culture at this dree family-friendly cultural event complete with authentic Latin American food, arts and crafts, dancing, live music and children’s activities.  DJ Sonido Dead Steady, Latin dancers and live bands will provide the entertainment throughout the day at Cook Family Park.

Hispanic and Latino Organizations, Celebrations and Events

As Mexican immigrants settled in Oregon, many families built a community in Washington County. Centro Cultural de Washington County, established in 1972, is the oldest Hispanic organization in Oregon and serves as a cultural center for Latino families in Tualatin Valley. Centro Cultural celebrates the community’s contribution to the social and cultural fabric of Oregon with dance classes, such as the Ballet Folkorico, and dance company Danza Azteca, as well as hosts annual events, El Grito and Dia de los Muertos.

The Peruvian Cultural Festival Organization is a new non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Peruvian culture in its various artistic, intellectual and culinary manifestations. Throughout the year, the organization holds Peruvian events, including an Christmas celebration.

Street Fair & Latino Festival is held every September in downtown Tigard. The Latino Festival features live entertainment and food carts celebrating Latino culture and heritage.

Latino Cultural Festival is an annual festival in June that was originally designed to connect the Latino business community with other local businesses. Today, it celebrates the cultural diversity of Hillsboro by sharing the traditions and food of Latino communities.

Latin Cuisine in Tualatin Valley

Tualatin Valley has a wealth of Mexican, South American and Caribbean cuisine. Here is a sampling of some of the region’s most highly acclaimed restaurants.

Also located in Beaverton, Boriken was the Portland region’s first-ever Puerto Rican restaurant. Known for its plantains and mofongos and other Caribbean specialties, Boriken brings the authentic tastes of Puerto Rico to Beaverton.

Tigard’s Sanchez Taqueria is a family owned and operated Mexican restaurant and bakery, which features authentic rustic-style Mexican food. This acclaimed taco shop is no stranger to “best of” lists of local eateries in the Portland region.

Amelia’s Mexican Restaurant is a popular spot, located in downtown Hillsboro. Amelia’s offers a variety of traditional dishes using authentic family recipes made with the freshest ingredients and accompanied by freshly made tortillas.

For a frozen treat, Ome Calli specializes in treats inspired by the owners’ home country of Mexico. Order a chamoyada, a type of shaved ice served with chili power, lime juice, chamoy sauce and a frozen pop. Or have a refreshing fruit-infused ice pop (paletas).