Latinx

As we enter National Hispanic Heritage Month, we are not simply marking time on a calendar. We are entering a vibrant celebration of culture, history and the enduring contributions of Latinx communities to our city and our nation.

In Yssis Cano-Santiago’s forthcoming young adult fiction novel, “A Hypochondriac’s Guide to Love,” two Latinx teenagers wrestle with the challenges of growing up in 1990s Miami against the backdrop of gentrification and racism.

In 2002, the film “Real Women Have Curves” was a groundbreaking story of a young Latina finding herself and learning self-acceptance in the United States. Now that story has been transformed into a musical and is playing at the American Repertory Theater.

Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15–Oct. 15, and the Boston area is bursting with events celebrating the many cultures, traditions and histories of Spanish-speaking countries.

National Hispanic Heritage Month, which began Sept. 15, is celebrated with fiestas, salsa dance classes and steaming trays of empanadas, but local leaders say it should also be a time to examine historical challenges, resource access issues and policies affecting the community.

Ágora Cultural Architects has received a $700,000 grant from The Mellon Foundation to develop a Puerto Rican “cultural corridor” amplifying the work of local Boricua artists in the Eastern United States.

A powerful new Latinx figure has joined the Roxbury community, depicted in a new mural “Pa*Lante” by local artist Rixy on the side of a residential building at 301 Highland St.

This fall, the team behind the Boston Latino International Film Festival will debut CineFest Latino Boston, a new festival with similar goals to celebrate Latin American filmmakers and educate moviegoers about the diversity of the Latinx experience.

“Vernacular Glamour,” showing at the Cambridge Art Association’s Kathryn Schultz Gallery through Feb. 19, showcases a cross section of Latinx artists exploring camp, high fashion, popular culture and queer experiences.

The Boston Latino International Film Festival will screen a curated selection of nine films Sept. 24-Oct. 3 on a virtual platform in collaboration with ArtsEmerson. This year’s festival will continue BLIFF’s 20-year legacy of breaking down Latinx stereotypes through film and bringing Boston’s diverse communities together.

Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA) has selected STUDIO ENÉE and Ann Beha Architects (ABA) to reimagine the historic Villa Victoria Center for the Arts in the South End’s Villa Victoria community.

Teatro Chelsea has launched “A-Típico,” a brand new Latinx play festival. The online festival will showcase works by Latinx playwrights April 9-17.