Hispanic

Experiencing the Culture

Austin is recognized nationally as one of the best cities in the U.S. for Hispanics to live and work.

One of the best ways to sample local Hispanic culture is through tasty, authentic cuisine. Authentic dishes such as pollo en mole and pescado veracruzano are found at popular eateries such as El Sol y La Luna or the Sunday brunch at Fonda San Miguel. Still looking to satisfy your taste for Tex-Mex? No problem. Ask a local for their favorite spot. There's great food to be found at every turn.

For a cultural experience like no other, head to the University of Texas at Austin campus. The university's Blanton Museum of Art, an awe-inspiring 180,000-square-foot museum complex at MLK Boulevard and Congress Avenue, boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of contemporary Latin American art in the country. Featuring more than 2,000 works by 600 artists from Mexico, South and Central America, and the Caribbean, the collection demonstrates the rich diversity of the region.

At the Mexic-Arte Museum, revolving exhibits pay tribute to traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latino and Latin American art and culture. The museum also sponsors the city's largest Day of the Dead celebration — a Mexican holiday held on November 1 — to honor the memory of deceased ancestors. Festivities include street festivals, live music, theatrical performances, costume contests and a spirited parade.

More Latino and Chicano art is available at La Pena. Part art gallery, part educational organization and part cultural center, La Pena features rotating exhibits by well-known artists such as Nivia Gonzalez, Sam Coronado and Ester Hernandez. La Pena also sponsors film festivals, musical performances, instructional lectures and literary festivals.

Still looking for more? The annual Cine Las Americas, held every spring at various venues throughout the city, features an international festival of new Latin American cinema. For laughs, check out the Latino Comedy Project, a Tejano Spanglish-speaking touring sketch-comedy troupe, which performs at different locations throughout Austin. Or head to the Austin Latino Music Association's "Sonidos del Barrio" music series, which showcases a broad array of Latino music styles. Austin also celebrates Latino Music Month in May with performances throughout the city. Finally, the Mexican American Cultural Center provides multipurpose space for music and dance performances, an exhibit gallery and outdoor plaza.