The City of Alexandria is observing Hispanic Heritage Month, a nationwide celebration, through Sunday, October 15.

The City invites you to participate in Hispanic Heritage Month’s end-of-month celebrations, hear stories from Latino/x* community members, learn more about Hispanic and Latino/x businesses in in the City, and enjoy the national flags and lights of Latin American countries at City Hall (301 King St.)

Attend a Hispanic Heritage End-of-Month Celebration

Immerse yourself in our City’s Hispanic and Latino/a/x community at festivities that will have you ready to dance, sing, and rejoice with your fellow Alexandrians.

On Saturday, September 30, the Alexandria Library  hosted a Hispanic Heritage Fiesta with live music, crafts, and food. View the Fiesta’s full photo gallery.

View the City’s Hispanic Heritage Month Events Calendar for festivities through October 15.

Listen to Alexandria’s Latino/x Oral Histories

Each week this month, the Office of Historic Alexandria is sharing stories from our city’s Latino/x community. This week is Nora Partlow and Evelin Urrutia.

Nora Partlow is the founder of St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, which opened its third location in 2022. She was born in Cuba in 1949 and has lived in Alexandria since 1985. She recalls growing up on her grandfather’s farm, moving to New Jersey, getting married, and making the brave leap to Virginia to start running her own business. Listen to Nora’s story.

Evelin Urrutia is the Executive Director of Tenants and Workers United, a nonprofit organization in Arlandria-Chirilagua that advocates for the local community. She was born in El Salvador in 1977. Evelin and her mother immigrated to the U.S. in 1988 during the Civil War in her native country. Listen to Evelin’s story.

Learn About Latino/x Businesses in Alexandria

Our Latino/x community is a key part of the City’s story and a historic driver for economic growth. Learn more about Latino/x-owned small businesses in your backyard.

VIDA STYLE

Alicia Valencia Erb, owner and founder of VIDA STYLE, a consignment boutique in the City, opened the doors of her business in September to provide a behind-the-scenes look at her store. VIDA STYLE’S goal is to prioritize sustainability. View VIDA STYLE’s full photo gallery.

WHITE LILY SHOPPE

White Lily Shoppe features a line of all-natural, organic body care products. Founder Bianca Del Cid was born and raised in Northern Virginia as the daughter of hard-working Central American immigrants who taught her dedication and grit. White Lily Shoppe’s mission is to provide sustainable and eco-friendly bath and body products, promoting well-being through natural ingredients and responsible consumption. View White Lily Shoppe’s full photo gallery.

Enjoy National Flags and Lights of Latin American Countries

During Hispanic Heritage month, flags representing more than 20 Latin American nations will be displayed at City Hall Market Square (301 King St.).

In the evenings, the national colors of Latin American countries will light up City Hall. It’s the perfect setting to take a charming picture with friends and family.

For more information on the schedule of events, City Hall lights, and Hispanic Heritage in Alexandria, visit alexandriava.gov/HispanicHeritage.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.

* The terms 'Hispanic' and 'Latino/a/x' are used to describe individuals who identify with or relate to Spanish and Latin American origin or descent. “Hispanic” refers to a person with ancestry from a country whose primary language is Spanish, including Spain. “Latino” and its variations refer to a person with origins from anywhere in Latin America and the Caribbean. “Latino” is inclusive of countries like Brazil, where Portuguese is the primary language. In addition, “Latinx” is a gender-neutral/nonbinary alternative to Latino or Latina.