As Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) approaches, the Illinois Office of Tourism invites travelers to hit the road and discover the people, places, culture and traditions that help make Illinois so vibrant. From lively festivals and parades to museums and historic attractions, there are countless ways to celebrate and explore Hispanic heritage across the state.

Chicago

• 9th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival – From Sept. 14-Oct. 11, catch performances from Latino theater artists and companies from Chicago, the United States and Latin America at stages throughout the city. Experience stories and perspectives from across the Latino world without leaving Chicago.

• National Museum of Mexican Art – Running from Sept. 25-Nov. 26, explore Mexican art, history and culture through the museum’s exhibitions and programs. During Hispanic Heritage Month, visitors can also experience Where Memory Lives: 40 Years of Día de Muertos, celebrating four decades of the museum’s annual Día de Muertos exhibition.

• Paseo Boricua Walking Tour – Explore Puerto Rican culture along Division Street in Humboldt Park via a guided tour from a local resident, where visitors can discover colorful landmarks, restaurants, shops and cultural attractions.

• Pilsen Public Art Tours – On Oct. 3, join a public Pilsen mural tour in partnership with the Chicago History Museum, led by local poet and multidisciplinary artist Luis Tubens. The 90-minute tour explores Pilsen’s murals and the Mexican identity, heritage and activism reflected throughout the neighborhood. Private tours also are available for groups.

Oak Park

• ¡VIVA! Festival  – On Oct. 10, head to Oak Park for the ¡VIVA! Festival, featuring food, entertainment and activities for children and families.

Elgin

• La Fiesta de Elgin Mexican Independence Day Celebration – On Sept. 12, celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a festive parade, Mercado, local vendors, food, entertainment and family-friendly activities. Come hungry and ready to celebrate!

Champaign-Urbana

• Latine Heritage Month Kickoff: Cultura Pesá – On Sept. 16, kick off Latine Heritage Month at the Krannert Center for Performing Arts with Puerto Rico’s Cultura Pesá. The performance brings the sounds and traditions of bomba, plena, salsa, seis and aguinaldo to Champaign-Urbana.

For the full list of Hispanic Heritage Month events occurring across the state, visit enjoyillinois.com

Photo Credit: Illinois Office of Tourism