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Celebrate Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month with PBS Wisconsin
September 17, 2025 Leave a Comment
Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month is observed each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 in the United States. First recognized as a weeklong observance in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson and expanded to a full month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, it honors the rich cultural traditions and countless contributions Hispanic and Latino communities have made across the Americas and in the U.S. The mid-September start is intentional: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua mark independence on Sept. 15, followed by Mexico on Sept. 16, Chile on Sept. 18 and Belize on Sept. 21.
PBS Wisconsin doesn’t need a designated month or federal recognition to celebrate the Latino/a/e communities that have shaped Wisconsin for generations, but we are proud to join this national observance with new PBS premieres and highlights of our local productions and partnerships. You can also explore the full roster of events from our friends at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as they honor Latine Heritage Month with this year’s theme, Amor Sin Fronteras (Love Without Borders).
Latinx History Series | A partnership with the Wisconsin Latinx History Collective
In 2025, PBS Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Latinx History Collective partnered to share the diverse histories of Latinx families across the state in a new digital video series. Supported by Latino Public Broadcasting, the series spotlights the Sánchez family of Milwaukee and the Gonzalez family of Weyauwega, tracing stories of migration, tradition, community leadership and cultural identity. Through these family narratives — from a former celebrity charro’s journey to Wisconsin to a Kichwa Saraguro family’s contributions to the state’s dairy industry — the series invites audiences to see Wisconsin history in a broader, more inclusive light. Watch the full collection at pbswisconsin.org/latinxhistoryseries.
Alzheimer’s Disease in Latinos | University Place
Public health physician and research scientist Dr. Maria Mora Pinzón shares her work addressing barriers to diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease in Latino communities. She demonstrates how culturally responsive, community-based research can improve health outcomes and create greater access to care for our Latina/o/e Wisconsinites — and their loved ones — confronting this disease.
Immigrant farmer succeeds when given chance to grow | Wisconsin Life
From the forthcoming new season of Wisconsin Life, meet Juan Gonzalez, a skilled grower in Wisconsin turning his passion for gardening into an entrepreneurial venture with the support of local landowners Linda and Gene Farley. He now grows traditional herbs like papalo and purslane for his family, community markets and his sister’s restaurant — a story of opportunity and entrepreneurship rooted in community connection.
Roberto Hernández: Working for La Comunidad (1944–1994) | Wisconsin Biographies
Explore a recent addition to PBS Wisconsin Education’s Wisconsin Biographies collection: “Roberto Hernández: Working for La Comunidad.” This suite of classroom resources in English and Spanish – including an animated short, digital book and gallery of historical images – shares the story of a Milwaukee activist who championed educational access, bilingual education, housing rights and community empowerment in the 1960s and 70s. Find this free resource for students in grades 3-6 as part of the Wisconsin Biographies “Justice Seekers” sub-collection.
Omara: Cuba’s Legendary Diva | VOCES
PBS’s acclaimed series VOCES returns in September with a vibrant new portrait: Omara – Cuba’s Legendary Diva. The film shines a light on Omara Portuondo, the iconic singer whose voice carried Cuban music to the world. It traces her eight-decade career, from Havana’s cabaret stages to global acclaim.
Premiering 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 on The Wisconsin Channel and streaming on pbswisconsin.org.
And from John Leguizamo, be sure to check out his hosted series VOCES American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos in which he takes viewers on a journey delving into both well-known and lesser-known stories of Latino history, spanning thousands of years, from the Ancient Empires to the present.
Velvet | Watch all seasons of the Spanish language drama with PBS Passport
Step into a world of glamour, intrigue and fashion with Velvet, now streaming with three seasons behind Passport on PBS Wisconsin. Set in late 1950s Madrid, this award-winning Spanish drama follows the lives, loves and rivalries at the iconic Galerías Velvet — a place where haute couture and forbidden romance collide. From Walter Presents, Velvet is presented in Spanish with English subtitles.
Orozco: Man of Fire | American Masters
Discover the story of Mexican muralist José Clemente Orozco, whose powerful frescoes shaped the Mexican Renaissance and influenced generations of American artists. American Masters explores his iconic works — including The Table of Universal Brotherhood, The Epic of American Civilization and Prometheus — and his lasting impact on U.S. history, from inspiring Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal arts programs to resonating with today’s conversations about migration and identity. Watch at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 on PBS Wisconsin and stream now.
Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month YouTube playlist | PBS Digital Studios
Spend this month with a curated YouTube playlist from PBS Digital Studios, featuring diverse stories of culture, history and creativity. As PBS’s hub for original digital content, Digital Studios reaches millions on YouTube with series that connect new generations to public media.
2025 Hispanic Heritage Awards
Finally, don’t miss PBS’s broadcast of the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Awards. Celebrate Latino excellence and honor cultural icons including Cheech Marin, Rauw Alejandro, Rosie Perez and Gloria Trevi. The broadcast features performances and appearances from DannyLux, Lisa Lisa, RaiNao, Daymé Arocena, Ivy Queen, Gina Torres, Menudo and more.
Premiering 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 on The Wisconsin Channel and streaming on pbswisconsin.org.
Find out what else PBS has in store this Hispanic & Latino Heritage month and explore even more in our PBS Wisconsin Voices collection.
