WTTW's 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Programming
Daniel Hautzinger
August 31, 2023
Hispanic Heritage Month starts the day before Mexican Independence Day on September 15 and runs through October 15. Explore the Mexican state of Yucatán, learn the stories of immigrants, and celebrate the successes and legacy of the labor leader Cesar Chavez in our special programming.
Many of these shows will also be available to stream via the PBS app and wttw.com once they have aired.
Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices
Trusted analysis and in-depth conversation about issues that matter to the Latino community in Chicago. With news and features on a wide range of topics including arts and life, entrepreneurship and innovation, and equity and justice.
Stream episodes of Latino Voices, and view all WTTW News stories.
Pati's Mexican Table
Saturdays starting September 16 at 4:00 pm on WTTW and Sundays at 7:00 am on WTTW Prime
In season 12, Pati Jinich invites viewers to take a deep dive into Yucatán. While there, she explores pink salt harvesting in Las Coloradas, the colonial food and drink of the Haciendas, the legends behind cenotes or deep water holes, the history behind ancient ruins, and the foods that have been passed down by the Maya.
Most seasons of Pati's Mexican Table are available to stream for free. Try some recipes from Pati's Mexican Table.
Singing Our Way to Freedom
Saturday, September 16 at 9:00 pm on WTTW Prime
Explore the life and music of Ramon "Chunky" Sanchez, from his humble beginnings as a farmworker in Blythe, California to the dramatic moment when he received one of our nation's highest musical honors at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
WTTW Passport members can stream the show.
Chicago Stories: Our Soldiers, Our Lady of Guadalupe
Sunday, September 17 at 12:00 pm on WTTW
For decades, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in the South Chicago neighborhood was a cultural center for the community’s Mexican-American families. In that church, families celebrated baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and other major milestones. But after the United States entered the war in Vietnam, funerals for 12 parishioners would take place at Our Lady of Guadalupe – a loss greater than in any other parish in the country.
Explore more of the stories of Our Lady of Guadalupe and its parishioners.
POV: Bulls and Saints
Monday, September 18 at 9:00 pm on WTTW and Tuesday, September 19 at 9:00 am on WTTW Prime
After 20 years of living in the United States, an undocumented family decides to return home. Set between the rodeo arenas of North Carolina and the spellbinding Mexican town they yearn for, the film is a love story about reverse migration, rebellion, and redemption.
Becoming Frida Kahlo
This new three-part series strips away the myths to reveal the real Frida Kahlo. It explores the major events of Kahlo's life, both personal and political, from her lifelong health problems to her complicated relationship with artist Diego Rivera, whom she married not once but twice.
Independent Lens: Sansón and Me
Tuesday, September 19 at 9:00 pm on WTTW and Saturday, September 23 at 3:30 pm on WTTW Prime
When authorities deny filmmaker Rodrigo Reyes' request to document a young incarcerated immigrant, Sansón's story is shared through dramatic reenactments.
Islands without Cars: Mexico's Isla Holbox
Saturday, September 23 at 5:00 pm on WTTW
Isla Holbox is a small island in the Yucatan Peninsula north of Cancun, Mexico. From snorkeling with the largest sharks in the world to a series of opportunities for mind/body integration, the island is a place of natural wonder populated with caregivers and healers.
American Masters: Rita Moreno — Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It
Saturday, September 30 at 3:00 pm on WTTW Prime
Discover how Moreno defied her humble upbringing and racism to become one of a select group of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winners. Explore her 70-year career with new interviews, clips of her iconic roles, and scenes of the star on set today.
WTTW Passport members can stream the show.
A Song for Cesar: American Masters
Saturday, September 30 at 10:00 pm on WTTW
Explore the life and work of Cesar Chavez, a civil rights activist and labor leader who used music as a tool to unite and inspire workers during the United Farm Workers' struggle for better labor conditions.
36th Hispanic Heritage Awards
Sunday, October 1 at 6:00 pm on WTTW
Celebrate the recipients of the 36th annual Hispanic Heritage Awards. This evening commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month includes performances and appearances by some of the country's most celebrated Hispanic artists and visionaries.
Weekend in Havana with Geoffrey Baer
Monday, October 9 at 9:00 pm on WTTW and Tuesday, October 10 at 9:00 am on WTTW Prime
Join Geoffrey Baer as he travels to Havana, where dancers, musicians, architects, and writers invite him into their lives to experience the color, culture and history of a beautiful and seductive city.
Explore more of Havana, including its classic cars, dance, cigars, cocktails, architecture, and more with Geoffrey Baer at wttw.com/havana.
Independent Lens: El Equipo
Saturday, October 14 at 10:00 pm on WTTW
A U.S. anthropologist sets out to train Latin American students in the use of forensic anthropology. Their goal: to investigate disappearances in Argentina during the "dirty war."
Plus, enjoy digital shorts on maleteros, porters who drive across the U.S.-Mexican border transporting goods; folklore and arts in Far West Texas; one of Mexico's Slam Poetry Champions; and portraits of Latino essential workers during the pandemic.
