Latincouver highlights Latin American Heritage Month (LAHM) with a host of community programming over the next 20-days. From tomorrow, October 14 to November 2, the 8th annual celebration features music, visual arts, cultural traditions, workshops and community gatherings at venues around Vancouver and Burnaby.
The 2026 program, themed “Connecting the Passion Through Our Traditions,” includes 27 events featuring more than 340 artists, speakers and facilitators, with events taking place at UBC, Granville Island, Gastown, The Amazing Brentwood in Burnaby, and more.
Since the 2018 Parliament of Canada proclamation, October is Latin American Heritage Month recognizing the contributions of Latin American communities to Canadian society. LAHM provides an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to experience and learn about the diverse cultures, traditions and histories of Latin America while celebrating the communities that continue to shape life here at home in Metro Vancouver and around British Columbia and across the country.
From the opening night gala, Spanish book fair, cultural exhibitions and workshops, and several Día de los Muertos celebrations highlights of LAHM include:
Opening Night Gala, “Raíces & Ritmos: From Our Roots to Vancouver”.
October 14 at Performance Works on Granville Island.
Tickets $70 including canapes and one cocktail – proceeds support the Latino Seniors of BC program
LAHM opens with an elegant cocktail gala, featuring Latin-inspired canapés, an all-vinyl DJ set by Mr. Pablo, a live performance by Brazilian-born guitarist, percussionist and composer Celso Machado, visual projections and a dance floor to close the evening.
Spanish Book Fair — Celebrating Latin American Literature & Culture.
October 18 at Ocean Art Works on Granville Island.
Free with advance registration
Latincouver celebrates the richness of the Spanish language and Latin American heritage with this free book fare bringing together Spanish-language authors, storytellers and musicians for a day of author readings, storytelling sessions for adults and children, and live musical performances, creating a space for literary discovery, cultural exchange and community connection. The program features a diverse lineup of writers and artists, including María Fernanda León, Vanesa O’Toole, and Belkys Pulido.
Day of the Dead Celebration and Workshops in Burnaby.
October 24 – 25 at The Amazing Brentwood.
Workshop registration required
A two-day celebration brings together an artisan market, live music, folklore and a series of hands-on workshops. Workshops on October 24 include papel picado (traditional colourful banners), flower arranging, sugar skull decorating, and crafting Catrina lanterns. October 25 workshops include Catrina makeup, mask-making, storytelling and ofrenda-building.
Day of the Dead Market and Workshops at Granville Island
October 31 – November 1 at Granville Island
Workshop registration required
Two days of Día de los Muertos programming featuring Latin American food, an artisan market, live music and cultural workshops. Workshops include sugar skull decorating, crafting Catrina lanterns, and more.
Closing Ceremony, “Celebrating Legacy & Community”
November 2 at Latin Plaza Hub in Gastown
Advance registration required. Entrance by donation (suggested $5) including a mini pan de muerto and hot chocolate
Latin American Heritage Month 2026 comes to a close with a meaningful community gathering celebrating the voices, traditions, and stories shared throughout the month. The ceremony will honour artists, cultural bearers, partners, and community members whose contributions help keep Latin American heritage alive and visible, with music, cultural expressions, and moments of reflection.
More events, workshops and activities are programmed throughout LAHM, including a guided tour of Tupananchiskama: Ancient Andean Cosmovision at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, exploring pre-Columbian works and enduring Andean perspectives on relationships between people, ancestors and the natural world.
Latin American Heritage Month programs presented by Latincouver take place October 14 to November 2, 2026 at venues around Vancouver and Burnaby. For the complete schedule, event details and registration information, visit latincouver.ca/lahm.