Ganondagan State Historic Site & Seneca Art & Culture Center pays tribute to this heritage on the grounds where a Seneca community flourished more than 350 years ago. At its peak, the town contained more than 150 bark buildings housing an estimated 4,500 people. Today, Ganondagan keeps Seneca and Haudenosaunee traditions alive with year-round programming celebrating music, dance, agriculture, crafts, athletics, art, and language. Its nearly 600 acres feature miles of interpretive walking trails as well as a full-size replica of a 17th-century Seneca bark longhouse, furnished with Seneca-crafted household items and trade goods from the era.
Sonoma County’s Native American heritage is deeply rooted in the land, its history, and the living traditions of its Indigenous communities. Home to several Pomo tribal communities, including the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Kashia Band of Pomo Indians, Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians, and Cloverdale Rancheria of Pomo Indians, the region offers opportunities to learn about the area’s Indigenous history while recognizing the contemporary contributions of Native communities. During November, Native American Heritage Month provides an opportunity for visitors to explore this heritage through cultural programming, educational events, and contemporary Native voices. At Santa Rosa Junior College’s Multicultural Museum, the exhibition Standing in Her Power: Portraits Beyond the Colonial Frame, featuring photographer Alexa LexMex Treviño, explores the identities, experiences, and representation of Native American women. The exhibition opens November 3, 2026, and runs through March 16, 2027, with an opening reception scheduled for November 14. On November 4, the Roseland Regional Library in Santa Rosa will host The Native Story of Sonoma County, a presentation by Paul Steward, an enrolled member of the Elem Indian Colony of Pomo Indians and professor, exploring Native American history from ancient times to the present, with a focus on Sonoma County. On November 17, Sonoma State University will host its Native American Student Success Symposium, bringing together students, tribal communities, faculty, and educational partners to discuss opportunities and support for Native American students. A community lunch honoring Native American Heritage Month will follow the symposium. Visitors can also explore the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center in Santa Rosa, an Indigenous-operated institution dedicated to preserving and sharing California Indian history and contemporary cultures. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and Native-created artwork, the museum provides a deeper understanding of the region’s Indigenous communities and their continuing cultural contributions. Images here. Together, these experiences offer visitors a meaningful opportunity to engage with Sonoma County’s Native heritage as a living part of the destination today. For more information, visit Sonoma County Tourism’s website.
Florida’s Historic Coast invites travelers to look beneath St. Augustine’s colonial story this Native American Heritage Month—through Timucua and Mocama history, coastal archaeological sites, and places where Indigenous presence long predates European settlement. Thousands of years before St. Augustine’s founding in 1565, Northeast Florida was home to Indigenous communities, including the coastal Mocama, a Timucua-speaking people who lived along the region’s rivers and marshes. Today, visitors can explore this history through archaeological sites, preserved landscapes, and cultural attractions. At Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, the reconstructed Native Timucua Village of Seloy and archaeological exhibits highlight approximately 3,000 years of Indigenous habitation. The site also holds a timely Thanksgiving connection: According to historical accounts, Spanish settlers and local Timucua people shared a celebratory meal in 1565—an event often cited as America’s First Thanksgiving, 55 years before Plymouth. At Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve, ancient shell middens along scenic trails and waterways reveal evidence of former Indigenous settlements and their relationship with the coastal environment. Nearby, Mission Nombre de Dios traces its roots to the Timucua town of Nombre de Dios and offers insight into the region’s early Spanish-Timucua interactions and later mission era. These sites offer a deeper look at the people and traditions that shaped Florida’s Historic Coast long before its colonial landmarks. https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/
Martin County, Florida, offers travelers opportunities to explore the Indigenous history of the Treasure Coast through archaeological landmarks, museum exhibits, and the Trail of Florida’s Indian Heritage. At Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach, visitors can learn about Mount Elizabeth, an Indigenous archaeological site featuring a shell mound dating back approximately 4,500 years. Set along the Indian River Lagoon, the park combines a scenic waterfront setting with a meaningful connection to the region’s earliest inhabitants. In downtown Stuart, the Stuart Heritage Museum preserves artifacts and stories documenting the people and communities that shaped the area, including displays highlighting the Ais, an Indigenous people who lived along Florida’s east coast. Travelers can also explore the Trail of Florida’s Indian Heritage at the House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar on Hutchinson Island. Built in 1876, the historic landmark is Martin County’s oldest surviving building and is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026 following a major restoration project. Another site along the Trail is Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound. Portions of the Battle of Loxahatchee, fought during the Second Seminole War, are believed to have been fought within the park. Together, these sites offer a starting point for discovering the cultural and archaeological history of Florida’s Atlantic coast while exploring Martin County’s distinctive waterfront communities. From ancient shell mounds to local museum collections, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the Indigenous history that predates the region’s modern towns and tourism attractions. For more information and trip-planning inspiration, visit Discover Martin.
Cherokee singer Ken Pomeroy, Photo credit Kali Spitzer
Cherokee singer-songwriter Ken Pomeroy will open up for Wilderado at the iconic venue Cain’s Ballroom on Nov. 11, 2026 – the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and Veterans’ Day. The concert featuring the Native American artist as opening act will cap a day of events combining the historic Mother Road with veterans to commemorate the day. The Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Celebration is presented by Cherokee Nation Businesses. Known as the Capital of Route 66, the celebration in Tulsa will be the largest held on the actual anniversary of the historic highway. Festivities will begin in the morning with a Veterans’ Day Parade and continue throughout the day throughout downtown Tulsa. Learn more at route66centennialcelebration.com.
News from Fort Worth, Alexandria, Guatemala, Say Hueque, Temecula, Arizona, St. Augustine, Baltimore and Kissimmee
News Briefs: ‘Nos Vemos en Fort Worth’ – How We Help Latinos Be Seen in Travel Marketing Hispanic Heritage Month Destinations: Alexandria, VA Hispanic Heritage Month – Guatemala Hispanic Heritage Month: Discovering South America Through Local Culture Hispanic Heritage Month in Temecula Arizona Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Mexican Baseball, Lotería, Fiestas & More America’s Oldest City Is Still Writing Its Hispanic Cultural Legacy Baltimore, Maryland – Two Major Celebrations This Fall Multicultural Latin Culinary Trail Kissimmee
‘Nos Vemos en Fort Worth’ – How We Help Latinos Be Seen in Travel Marketing Fort Worth, Texas, is known for its rich heritage and warm hospitality, but when it comes to connecting with the Hispanic community, Visit Fort Worth took a bold step beyond simple translation. The Culturist Group was entrusted with building a Hispanic communications platform called ‘Nos Vemos’, which means both “we see ourselves” and “we’ll see you” in Spanish. This phrase captures a deep sense of belonging and invitation, reflecting the city’s bicultural spirit and welcoming nature. The foundation of ‘Nos Vemos’ lies in understanding how the Hispanic community in Fort Worth views itself and its city. Delving deep and knowing what to ask and how to engage these communities is part of the expertise needed to draw out authentic challenges – and build solutions rooted in truths.
By listening closely, Visit Fort Worth learned that the Hispanic community wanted a platform that felt genuine, welcoming, and inclusive—not just a translated version of English marketing materials. One key success of the ‘Nos Vemos’ platform was the decision to unify digital efforts. Instead of maintaining separate messaging platforms and social media accounts for English and Spanish audiences, TCG guided Visit Fort Worth in combining their efforts into a single digital marketing approach to enhance visibility and capitalize on bicultural content and contextual environments.
This strategy helped amplify the message and reach a broader audience without fragmenting the community. The power of ‘Nos Vemos’ will be on full display during the lead up to the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC)’s 47th Annual National Conference which takes place in Fort Worth in September, 2026. This event is expected to bring over 2,000 U.S. Hispanic business leaders to the city and generated an estimated $2 million in economic and business impact.
The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Visit Fort Worth used the ‘Nos Vemos’ platform to: -Craft a culturally aligned welcome -Highlight Fort Worth’s unique Hispanic heritage -Position the city as a prime destination for Hispanic group business
The Culturist Group is a multicultural marketing consultancy specializing in travel, tourism, and hospitality. We help destinations and brands develop authentic, culturally-grounded strategies that move beyond performative diversity to create genuine connection with Black, Hispanic, LGBTQ+, and intersectional audiences.
Our proprietary 4R Framework—Representation, Relevance, Resonance, and Reach—guides destinations from aspiration to measurable impact. We combine qualitative research, cultural expertise, and strategic planning to help brands grow where they’ve yet to look. By Danny Guerrero, MBA (he/him), CEO, The Culturist Group, danny@culturistgroup.com, (310) 270-8115. https://www.culturistgroup.com/
Hispanic Heritage Month Destinations: Alexandria, VA Right on the border of Arlandria-Chirilagua in Alexandria, VA, Arlandria-Chirilagua is a small neighborhood with a big story. Home to some of the city’s largest immigrant communities since the 1960s, “Chirilagua” pays tribute to the town in southeastern El Salvador where so many of its residents and their families are from. Below are a few ways that make Arlandria-Chirilagua one of the most special and authentic places to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month: Del Ray Artisans Gallery (Fri September 4 – Sat September 26): Head to Del Ray Artisans for their free exhibit, Voices Through Visuals, which spotlights themes of migration, family, and cultural pride. Community Art: The Tenants & Workers United building has powerful murals painted by local artist MasPaz, featuring messages in Spanish, English, and Amharic that celebrate unity, education, and empowerment Authentic Dining: Enjoy a true taste of Central and South America with Salvadoran pupusas, horchata, and tacos de lengua at El Pulgarcito. Down the street, Veronica’s Bakery serves warm panes dulces and savory Honduran baleadas, while sisters Paula and Celia Coleto serve up fresh Peruvian ceviche and lomo saltado at Huascarán. Local Favorites: Complete your celebration with a concert at the legendary Birchmere music hall or a Sunday walk through the Four Mile Run Farmers’ Market.
Hispanic Heritage Month – Guatemala Set above Lake Atitlán in the predominantly Maya community of Santa Catarina Palopó, Casa Palopó (the first Relais & Châteaux hotel in the country and one of the most award-winning) offers travelers a particularly immersive way to experience Guatemala’s living culture. Throughout a stay, guests can learn the ancestral art of making tortillas by hand using masa and fire; visit nearby San Juan La Laguna for textile workshops and an introduction to the region’s weaving traditions; and participate in a traditional Maya Blessing Ceremony led by a local shaman. One of the property’s most meaningful connections to its community is Pintando El Cambio (Painting the Change), a long-running initiative that has transformed the village’s homes with colorful patterns inspired by the traditional huipiles worn by local women. Casa Palopó launched and leads the initiative, and today guests can pick up a brush and paint alongside local families, becoming a small part of a project centered on cultural identity, community pride and preservation. Painting the Change/Pintando el Cambio: https://casapalopo.com/social-responsability-project/ The connection to Guatemalan heritage extends throughout the hotel itself, where handwoven textiles, locally sourced art, antiques and traditional craftsmanship are incorporated into a colorful, contemporary interpretation of the country’s design traditions. Experiences – Casa Palopó
Hispanic Heritage Month: Discovering South America Through Local Culture For more than 25 years, Say Hueque has been designing immersive journeys across Argentina, Chile, Peru, and beyond, with a focus on connecting travelers with the people, food, traditions, and landscapes that make each destination unique. From exploring Argentina’s vibrant food and wine culture in Mendoza and Buenos Aires to experiencing Indigenous heritage in the Andes, discovering the culinary traditions of Peru, or connecting with local communities in Patagonia, Say Hueque offers a firsthand look at the many cultures and traditions that make South America so diverse. As Hispanic Heritage Month approaches, Say Hueque can share destination recommendations, cultural experiences, and travel ideas that encourage travelers to look beyond the typical tourist attractions and experience the region through its local people and traditions. https://sayhueque.com Hispanic Heritage Month in Temecula In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Mariachi Herencia de México will perform at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater on Sunday, Sept. 27. Mariachi Herencia de Mexico brings a bold and electrifying performance that honors the rich tradition of mariachi while pushing it to new heights. This two-time Latin GRAMMY®-nominated ensemble, made up of 14 virtuosic musicians, has captivated audiences across North America with its dynamic sound, chart-topping albums, and powerful stage presence. Blending the deep roots of Mexican musical heritage with a fresh, bicultural energy, their performance celebrates the past, embraces the present, and inspires the future—creating an unforgettable night of music, culture, and pride. Tickets are available here. The Old Town Temecula Community Theater is a contemporary, state-of-the-art proscenium theater in the heart of Old Town. The Theater is accessed on Main Street through the historic landmark Mercantile Building from the 1890s and exemplifies the City of Temecula’s motto “Old Traditions, New Opportunities.” For more information about Temecula Valley, go to www.visittemeculavalley.com.
Arizona Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Mexican Baseball, Lotería, Fiestas & More For Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), Arizona is celebrating the state’s deep Hispanic and Mexican cultural roots with a lineup of festivals, sporting events, performances and community celebrations taking place across the state. As a border state with the second-largest Hispanic population in the U.S., Arizona offers year-round opportunities to experience Hispanic culture, but this fall brings an especially vibrant calendar of events. From professional Mexican baseball to traditional Lotería and celebrations honoring Mexican independence, the events offer visitors a chance to experience the traditions, food, music and community that shape Arizona’s cultural landscape. A few highlights include: Phoenix: The Mexican Baseball Fiesta (Sept. 25-27) brings professional teams from Mexico’s Liga ARCO Mexicana del Pacífico to American Family Fields of Phoenix, the Milwaukee Brewers’ Spring Training facility. Tucson: Mexican Baseball Fiesta returns to Tucson Oct. 1-4 at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium. Douglas: On Sept. 30, the Mexican Baseball Fiesta continues in the border community of Douglas, where the Naranjeros take on the Yaquis at Copper King Stadium.
America’s Oldest City Is Still Writing Its Hispanic Cultural Legacy St. Augustine is inviting travelers to discover the nation’s oldest continuously occupied European-established city through immersive cultural experiences that celebrate Hispanic heritage, historic architecture, community traditions, gastronomy and the spiritual legacy of El Camino de Santiago Florida. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine offers visitors more than 460 years of living history, where Spanish Colonial architecture, centuries-old landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods come together to create one of North America’s most culturally significant destinations. St. Augustine is home to many of the earliest milestones in what would become the United States. Visitors can explore the site of the nation’s first Catholic parish, established in 1565, and experience the legacy of the first recorded Catholic Mass celebrated in what is now the continental United States. The city also preserves the story of Fort Mose Historic State Park, the site of the first legally sanctioned free Black settlement in what is now the United States, where formerly enslaved people found refuge under Spanish rule. Nearby, Mission Nombre de Dios commemorates the first successful Spanish mission in the region, while local historians also recognize St. Augustine as the setting for one of the earliest documented community Thanksgiving celebrations in North America, held by Spanish settlers decades before the Pilgrims arrived in New England. As demand for authentic, experience-driven travel continues to grow, St. Augustine offers a distinctive blend of history, architecture, gastronomy and community engagement. Whether walking El Camino de Santiago Florida, exploring centuries-old streets or sharing a meal inspired by generations of local tradition, visitors are invited to experience a destination where culture is not simply preserved—it is lived every day. Baltimore, Maryland – Two Major Celebrations This Fall On October 10–11, Fiesta Baltimore, the city’s largest Latino cultural festival, takes over Patterson Park with live music, traditional performances, cuisine from more than 50 vendors, artisan markets, cultural exhibits and a Latino heritage parade.
Multicultural Latin Culinary TrailOsceola County, which is where Kissimmee is located is 55% Hispanic and/or Latino, which means that the cuisine is full of flavor and culture. Experience Kissimmee created the Latin Culinary Trail to highlight all these restaurants around town that travelers can enjoy. Daddy Ninja – A family is putting a Dominican twist to Japanese food and their families migrated from Japan to the Dominican Republic to the United States. Staples are El Ninjiviri with shrimp tempura, sweet plantains, fried cheese and their special ninja sauce. Pa’Paraguana – A Venezuelan eatery with more than 50 flavors of empanadas. Accessible Travel Gatorland is a 110-acre classic attraction that provide a unique and natural alternative to the theme parks in Central Florida. It includes a breeding marsh, petting zone, nature walk, aviary and zipline. Something that is unique about Gatorland is that they have a wheelchair accessible zipline – which they worked together with the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association (FDOA) where people with mobility challenges and other disabilities can enjoy. Legoland Florida LEGOLAND Florida has created an inclusive park experience designed to support families with guests who have cognitive disabilities and mobility challenges. The park offers a variety of accessibility resources, including a Sensory Guide, Sensory Room, Sensory Sensitivity Hour, and an Access Guide to help families identify low-sensory areas, quiet spaces, noise-reducing headphones, and ride accessibility programs. Throughout the park, clear signage highlights sensory elements such as touch, taste, sound, sight, and smell, helping families navigate and choose attractions that best suit their needs. In addition, families may request a HERO Access Pass, which provides an alternative to traditional queues for individuals who may have difficulty tolerating extended wait times due to a disability.To submit a press release for consideration for coverage (no charge) in Multicultural Travel News and Multicultural Entertainment News, send by email to editor Lisa Skriloff at lisa@multicultural.com.
About This Newsletter Multicultural Travel News newsletter (MTN) covers travel news of interest to ethnic and niche travelers and those who market to them. We write about destinations that interest multicultural travelers or have outreach campaigns to travelers of Hispanic, African American, Asian American and other cultural backgrounds; women; LGBT travelers and people with disabilities.Multicultural Travel News is also written for leisure and business travelers looking for what to see and do and for marketing executives interested in ideas, best practices and the business case for targeting so-called “minority” travelers. We cover cities and countries, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, convention and visitor bureaus, tour operators and other travel marketers with a multicultural angle. Multicultural Travel News is written and edited by Lisa Skriloff.
Multicultural Travel News is published by Multicultural Marketing Resources, Inc. (MMR). To view past editions click here. For a free subscription to Multicultural Travel News and its sister publication, Multicultural Marketing News, sign up here.
About This Newsletter Multicultural Marketing News (MMRNews), is a free e-mail newsletter published by Multicultural Marketing Resources, Inc. (MMR) and sent to approx 6,500 subscribers. For a free subscription, sign up here.
Right on the border of Arlandria-Chirilagua in Alexandria, VA , Arlandria-Chirilagua is a small neighborhood with a big story. Home to some of the city’s largest immigrant communities since the 1960s, “Chirilagua” pays tribute to the town in southeastern El Salvador where so many of its residents and their families are from. Below are a few ways that make Arlandria-Chirilagua one of the most special and authentic places to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month:
· Del Ray Artisans Gallery (Fri September 4 – Sat September 26): Head to Del Ray Artisans for their free exhibit, Voices Through Visuals, which spotlights themes of migration, family, and cultural pride.
· Community Art: The Tenants & Workers United building has powerful murals painted by local artist MasPaz, featuring messages in Spanish, English, and Amharic that celebrate unity, education, and empowerment
· Authentic Dining: Enjoy a true taste of Central and South America with Salvadoran pupusas, horchata, and tacos de lengua at El Pulgarcito. Down the street, Veronica’s Bakery serves warm panes dulces and savory Honduran baleadas, while sisters Paula and Celia Coleto serve up fresh Peruvian ceviche and lomo saltado at Huascarán.
· Local Favorites: Complete your celebration with a concert at the legendary Birchmere music hall or a Sunday walk through the Four Mile Run Farmers’ Market.
Set above Lake Atitlán in the predominantly Maya community of Santa Catarina Palopó, Casa Palopó (the first Relais & Châteaux hotel in the country and one of the most award-winning) offers travelers a particularly immersive way to experience Guatemala’s living culture. Throughout a stay, guests can learn the ancestral art of making tortillas by hand using masa and fire; visit nearby San Juan La Laguna for textile workshops and an introduction to the region’s weaving traditions; and participate in a traditional Maya Blessing Ceremony led by a local shaman. One of the property’s most meaningful connections to its community is Pintando El Cambio (Painting the Change), a long-running initiative that has transformed the village’s homes with colorful patterns inspired by the traditional huipiles worn by local women. Casa Palopó launched and leads the initiative, and today guests can pick up a brush and paint alongside local families, becoming a small part of a project centered on cultural identity, community pride and preservation. Painting the Change/Pintando el Cambio: https://casapalopo.com/social-responsability-project/ The connection to Guatemalan heritage extends throughout the hotel itself, where handwoven textiles, locally sourced art, antiques and traditional craftsmanship are incorporated into a colorful, contemporary interpretation of the country’s design traditions. Experiences – Casa Palopó
The inaugural ¡Viva! Bastrop!, presented by Discover Bastrop and First National Bank, will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. in Historic Downtown Bastrop. This free festival celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with an evening of live entertainment, cultural performances, authentic cuisine, interactive activities, and family-friendly experiences. Designed to honor the rich traditions and cultures that have helped shape Texas, ¡Viva Bastrop! invites guests to experience the sights, sounds, flavors, and artistry of Hispanic heritage throughout North Main Street and Spring Street. The evening begins at 6:00 p.m. with a Mariachi performance and the National Anthem, followed by a Ballet Folklórico performance featuring Cedar Creek High School dancers accompanied by mariachi musicians. After the mariachi performers will stroll Historic Downtown, filling the streets with traditional music. Festival highlights include the Best Grito Contest (Yelling Contest), the crowd-favorite Chancla Throwing Challenge, and Tributo a Selena, a live tribute performance honoring the Queen of Tejano from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. One of the evening’s signature moments will be the Heritage March at 8:45 p.m., led by beautifully dressed quinceañeras and featuring the 512 Cadets, Ballet Folklórico dancers, and country flags representing Hispanic nations across Latin America. The celebration concludes with a lively Street Dance Celebration from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m., featuring performances by the 512 Cadets, Huapango dancers, the beloved Payaso de Rodeo dance, and more. In addition to live entertainment, festivalgoers can enjoy: Mercado Hispano (Hispanic Marketplace) featuring 15 local vendors offering authentic food, handmade crafts, artisan goods, and unique finds. Kids Zone on Spring Street featuring bounce houses, piñatas, face painting, a rock climbing wall, character meet-and-greets, photo opportunities, the Bastrop Cultural Arts Booth, and the First National Bank Booth. The celebration extends beyond festival day with Lotería (Mexican Bingo) taking place at participating downtown businesses beginning during F.A.M.E. Days on September 4 and continuing through September 18. Participants who complete their Lotería card can redeem an exclusive ¡Viva Bastrop! prize at the Discover Bastrop booth during the festival. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enter a giveaway for a one-of-a-kind ¡Viva Bastrop! soccer jersey, created exclusively for the inaugural event. Guests are encouraged to wear their country’s colors, traditional attire, or proudly wave their flag while celebrating the music, dance, traditions, and heritage that make Bastrop a vibrant destination. For more information and a complete entertainment schedule, visit www.discoverbastroptx.org/events/viva-bastrop.
For more than 25 years, Say Hueque has been designing immersive journeys across Argentina, Chile, Peru, and beyond, with a focus on connecting travelers with the people, food, traditions, and landscapes that make each destination unique. From exploring Argentina’s vibrant food and wine culture in Mendoza and Buenos Aires to experiencing Indigenous heritage in the Andes, discovering the culinary traditions of Peru, or connecting with local communities in Patagonia, Say Hueque offers a firsthand look at the many cultures and traditions that make South America so diverse. As Hispanic Heritage Month approaches, Say Hueque can share destination recommendations, cultural experiences, and travel ideas that encourage travelers to look beyond the typical tourist attractions and experience the region through its local people and traditions. https://sayhueque.com
