Commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month in Seattle: A Tapestry of Culture, Cuisine, and Community
Get ready to dive into the thriving Hispanic culture that enriches Seattle
SEATTLE – In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15), Seattle will host vibrant events, offer delicious food, and provide unique shopping experiences that honor and celebrate the cultural contributions of its diverse Hispanic community.
The Greater Seattle area boasts a dynamic Hispanic population spread across neighborhoods and suburbs. Although Hispanic residents make up 13% of Washington state’s total population, they account for nearly 30% in some parts of Seattle. Hispanic culture is woven throughout the city, but it truly thrives in areas like South Park and White Center, which are home to a range of authentic restaurants, shops, and cultural landmarks. From discovering colorful murals and indulging in mouthwatering dishes, to learning about the stories behind historic sites, visitors to Seattle will find countless opportunities to dive into the cultural richness that adds so much flavor to the city.
Below are just two examples of Hispanic-owned businesses worth checking out in Seattle:
Luis Rodriguez and Leona Moore-Rodriguez opened The Station Coffee Shop in Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood in 2010. Known for its community-focused approach, The Station has become a beloved gathering space. In April 2024, Rodriguez and Moore-Rodriguez expanded with a second location in the Columbia City neighborhood, and now, The Station Coffee Shop serves as a community hub in both neighborhoods.
“Growing up in Baja California, Mexico, my father used to give us kids café con leche and that’s where my love of coffee began,” said Luis Rodriguez, The Station Coffee Shop CEO. “To me, coffee represents my father, and it represents my culture. Seattle is a welcoming city, and I’ve been able to make strong connections with other coffee entrepreneurs here over the years. I hope to one day leave a legacy for my kids, and I’m grateful for the community in Seattle that has contributed to my legacy.”
Copacabana is a Bolivian restaurant that has been a staple in Seattle’s Pike Place Market since 1964, making this year its 60th anniversary. The Peláez family have owned and operated the restaurant for five generations.
“As one of the first South American restaurants in Seattle, we have been able to share our family’s Bolivian food and culture with the world for the past six decades,” said Vivian Morrow, who is part of the Peláez family that owns and operates Copacabana. “We love exposing visitors and locals to South American cuisine, bridging communities, and uniting the world through our food and family history.”
Copacabana and The Station, along with other Hispanic-owned businesses in Seattle, were recently featured in a Travel With Meaning podcast series exploring Seattle. In the series, podcast host Mike Schibel and Latina travel journalist Jeannette Ceja (Jet Set with Jeannette), explore Seattle’s diverse business community. The series is now available on all major streaming platforms (including Apple, Audible, Spotify, and iHeart) and at www.travelwithmeaning.com. A Spanish-language episode will be coming to the platform soon.
Several artists from the Hispanic community are working on or have completed murals for the Office of Arts & Culture’s Hope Corps Downtown Seattle Mural Project, a key initiative of Mayor Harrell’s Downtown Activation Plan and a collaboration between Visit Seattle, Downtown Seattle Association (DSA), Belltown United, CID Business Relief Team, SODO Business Improvement Area (SODO BIA), and Wing Luke Museum. These muralists include:
Events and Activities:
Here are some ways to support Seattle’s Hispanic community this month and beyond:
- MEXAM NW – MEXAM NW Festival 2024 is a celebration of contemporary Hispanic and Mexican-American culture, uniting communities across multiple venues. The festival will run from Saturday, Sept. 7 through Saturday, Oct. 19.
- Sea Mar Fiestas Patrias – Celebrate Hispanic culture with the annual Fiestas Patrias on Saturday, Sept. 14 and Sunday, Sept. 15. This free, two-day event commemorates the independence of Latin American countries, many of which celebrate their independence in September. Festivities kick off with a parade in South Park from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, with more activities hosted at Seattle Center throughout the weekend. Attendees will enjoy traditional Latin American food, live music, traditional folk-dance performances, a health fair, an art exhibition, Zumba, and children’s activities.
- Seattle Mariners Hispanic Heritage Day – Come down to T-Mobile Park on Sunday, Sept. 15 for a fun day of baseball and a celebration of the community’s contributions to the sport. Ticket purchases will include a limited-edition Hispanic heritage T-shirt and $10 of every ticket sold will benefit the nonprofit Casa Latina.
- Casa Latina Rhythms of Resilience – On Saturday, Sept. 21, Casa Latina is hosting its Annual Fundraiser celebrating 30 years of serving the community with an evening featuring stories of resilience and social impact.
- Building the Beloved Community Gala – Join El Centro de la Raza on Saturday, Sept. 28 for its annual gala that raises funds for 43 programs and services that benefit more than 20,000 individuals across the region. To attend, register here.
- Seattle Latino Film Festival – The Seattle Latino Film Festival (SLFF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to showcasing authentic Latin American cinema and promoting cultural diversity through film in the Pacific Northwest. The 16th annual Seattle Latino Film Festival will run from Friday, Oct. 4 through Friday, Oct. 12.
Music and Dance:
- Los Ángeles Azules – Enjoy the sounds of this Mexican musical group on its El Amor de Mi Vida USA Tour 2024 at Seattle’s WAMU Theater from Saturday, Sept. 21- Tuesday, Sept. 24.
- Bailadores de Bronce – Experience a captivating performance from this Mexican folkloric dance group that performs in and around Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Visit the Facebook page for upcoming events.
- Bahia in Motion – Join the fun and thrill of Afro-Brazilian culture by taking Brazilian dance and Capoeira classes at this Fremont studio.
- Drop Zone Dance – Participate in drop-in dance classes from Latin dancers and instructors.
- Salsa con Todo – Join drop-in classes! Located in Fremont, Salsa con Todo offers six major dance forms: Salsa, Bachata, Zouk, Tango, Swing, and Kizomba.
Places to Shop:
- booSH Plant Nursery – An indoor plant community in the Central District.
- Capitol Thrill – Capitol Hill store specializing in gifts, apparel, and art from owner Jeff Gonzales.
- Neplanta Cultural Arts Gallery – Visit this cultural institution located on the border of West Seattle and White Center for a unique collection of apparel, jewelry, and handmade gifts.
- Rey Amargo – Handcrafted chocolates made with 100% authentic Mexican cacao owned by Carlos Ríos and Valeria Calles. Located in Capitol Hill.
- Sal Floral Design – Breathtaking floral arrangements for all occasions from owner Sal Amezquita, located in downtown Seattle.
Places to Eat:
- Askatu Bakery – Bakery in Belltown serving tasty, allergen-free goodies from owner Estela Martinez.
- Arepa Venezuelan Kitchen – University District arepa restaurant from Felix Valderrama and Ismary Herrera.
- Baja Bistro – Baja California cuisine passed down from generations, serving fish tacos, enchiladas, huevos rancheros, and more. Located in Beacon Hill.
- Carmelo’s Tacos – Mexico City style taqueria within the Capitol Hill and Central District neighborhoods.
- Citizen Collective – Queen Anne indoor-outdoor space featuring a café along with a dog-friendly beer garden.
- DOCE Donut Co. – Family-owned craft donut shop inspired by Latin American flavors. Locations in Fremont-Wallingford and South Lake Union.
- Fogón Cocina Mexicana – Family-owned Mexican cantina known for its homemade corn tortillas and yummy cocktails in Capitol Hill.
- Frelard Tamales –This LGBTQIA+-owned, beloved tamale spot has recently opened a new location in Fremont that includes an El Sueñito Brewing taproom. Osbaldo Hernandez and husband Denny Ramey own both Frelard Tamales and El Sueñito Brewing.
- La Carta de Oaxaca – Owned and operated by three generations of the Dominguez family, this Ballard favorite serves Oaxacan cuisine from head chef and matriarch Gloria Perez. Also check out their sister restaurant El Mezcalito in the upper Queen Anne neighborhood.
- Maíz – Authentic Mexican street food served fresh in three locations across Seattle. Owners Aldo and Angelica Gongora are passionate about preserving heirloom corn.
- Moore Coffee Shop – Family-owned coffee shop with great latte art. Two locations in Belltown.
- Muse Lounge Seattle – Upscale restaurant lounge in Pioneer Square from sisters Jasmin and Addie Mendoza.
- Paparepas Venezuelan Food – Casual eatery serving Venezuelan specialties. Locations in Seattle and Kent, along with traveling food trucks.
- Ravenna Brewing Company – Handcrafted beer in Ravenna from Elise and Tommy Ortega.
- Rojo’s Mexican Food – Plant-based Mexican food in Pioneer Square.
- Salvadorean Bakery and Restaurant – Salvadorian sisters Aminta Elgin and Ana Castro turned their passion for baking into a local White Center favorite for sweet and savory treats.
- Señor Carbón – From owners Joe Tuesta and Imelda Diez-Tipa, this Pioneer Square restaurant specializes in a unique fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors.
- Tacos Chukis – With multiple locations around Seattle, Tacos Chukis offers delicious tacos, tortas, and more.
- Tres Lechería – At this unique Wallingford bakeshop, owner Kevin Moulder pays tribute to his grandmother by putting his spin on her family’s recipes from Coahuila, Mexico.
For more inspiration, check out Intentionalist, a directory that includes Hispanic-owned businesses in Seattle.
Additional Resources from Visit Seattle and partners
You can also visit the following links for more information on the history of Hispanic communities in Seattle, and how to support Hispanic businesses in the city:
Do you have a recommendation for how to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Seattle? Please submit your ideas to [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!
The Spanish version of this press release can be found here: Conmemora el Mes de la Herencia Hispana en Seattle: Un Mosaico de Cultura, Gastrono mía y Comunidad
About Visit Seattle:
Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales and overseas tourism development. Visit visitseattle.org.