SHREVEPORT, La. – Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the history, culture, and contributions that Hispanics have made in America.
The month is celebrated from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 each year.
Over the last 20 years, the Hispanic community has grown exponentially in Shreveport-Bossier. And because many have planted roots here, the community will only continue to grow.
“Around 2007, we saw an influx of Hispanics coming in, and since then, thousands of them have made Shreveport their home. Right now, Shreveport is working on its second generation of Hispanics, many of them natural-born American citizens,” said Briant Garcia, co-founder of the Hispanic Heritage Association of NWLA.
As the Hispanic population has grown, Shreveport-Bossier has adapted and grown with them.
“When I came here in 2002, there was one church that offered Spanish service, and there were two stores that were helping Hispanics. Fast forward to 2024, there are over 20 churches that offer Spanish service, there are several Hispanic stores,” said Garcia.
They don’t just live here; they create businesses and job opportunities that help the economy.
“Everyday we get to see new Mexican restaurants open and new construction companies open. The two biggest concrete companies in Shreveport are Latino owned. So it’s constantly growing,” said Garcia.
To celebrate this month, there are a few events planned by the Hispanic Heritage Association. But for the main fiesta, they have partnered with the Red River Revel for a Day of the Dead Festival on Oct. 5.
“We have an art installation that is amazing. Plus, 12-foot Katrinas are going to be placed throughout the fair. Mariachi band, Aztec dancers, folklore dancers, Banda Blanca, which is a band that is coming here straight from Honduras,” said Garcia.
The festival will be at Festival Plaza, and admission is $5.
For other Hispanic Heritage Association events happening this month, check out Hispanic Heritage Association of Northwest Louisiana.