Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the history, culture and the countless contributions of Latino and Latina communities. From trailblazing artists and writers to musicians, activists and everyday voices shaping the future, Arkansas PBS is proud to bring you a powerful lineup of stories that inspire, educate and celebrate.
Whether you’re drawn to the artistry of icons like Frida Kahlo and Rita Moreno, the rhythms of cumbia and mambo, or the personal stories of families, communities and chefs redefining tradition, there’s something for everyone to discover.
HOW TO WATCH
Members who contribute a tax-deductible gift of at least $5 per month, or an annual gift of $60 or more, are eligible for Arkansas PBS Passport – an extended, on-demand library of your favorite PBS shows, films and specials.
As a reminder, you can watch anywhere, anytime on myarkansaspbs.org, or by using the PBS app, available on your TV, phone or tablet.
Icons and Creativity
“37th Hispanic Heritage Awards” – Celebrate the new class of Hispanic Heritage Award honorees, including former NBA star Carmelo Anthony, iconic fashion designer Carolina Herrera, cumbia legends Los Ángeles Azules, writer and director Julio Torres, beauty innovator Rea Ann Silva and the first posthumous award to baseball and civil rights pioneer Roberto Clemente. Hosted by actress Annie Gonzalez.
“American Masters: Julia Alvarez: A Life Reimagined” – Explore the story of Dominican-American poet and novelist Julia Alvarez, who burst onto the literary scene and blazed a trail for a generation of Latino authors.
“Becoming Frida Kahlo” – Explore the life of celebrated artist Frida Kahlo in a three-part docuseries. See the major personal and political events of her life, including her stormy and devoted relationship with artist Diego Rivera, whom she married not once but twice.
Only on Passport:
“American Masters: Orozco: Man on Fire”
“American Masters: Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It”
“Art21: Art in the Twenty-First Century: Borderlands”
“Beyond the Canvas: Modern Mexico”
“Craft in America: Holiday”
“Craft in America: Borders”
“Craft in America: Neighbors”
“Next at the Kennedy Center: Ballet Hispánico’s Doña Perón”
“Next at the Kennedy Center: Snarky Puppy: The Family We Make”
Rhythms of Heritage
“American Masters: A Song for Cesar” – Trace the life and legacy of labor activist Cesar Chavez. Through interviews with Maya Angelou, Joan Baez, Carlos Santana and more, see how music and the arts were instrumental to the success of the social movement Chavez helped found, which mobilized thousands of farmworkers across the U.S.
“Dia de los Muertos” – In this musical, celebrate this much-anticipated and highly celebrated fiesta by people of Mexican heritage everywhere. Special guests include Latino rock greats, Los Lobos, the salsa-rap-reggae-funk of Ozomatli — both Los Angeles-based — and the all-female mariachi band Flor de Toloache from New York City.
“VOCES: Mambo Legends: The Music Never Stops” – Meet the Mambo Legends Orchestra, committed to keeping the sounds of the great Afro-Cuban bandleaders Machito, Tito Puente and Tito Rodriguez alive for future generations.
Untold Histories and Legacies
“VOCES: American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos” – Join creator and host John Leguizamo on a quest to uncover Latino and Latina heroes and their contributions. Leguizamo takes viewers on a captivating journey, delving into both well-known and lesser-known stories of Latino history, spanning thousands of years, from the Ancient Empires to the present, and shining a light on the rich and often overlooked history of Latinos.
Only on Passport:
“Finding Your Roots: Far From Home”
“Finding Your Roots: Latin Roots”
“Finding Your Roots: Mexican Roots”
“Independent Lens: Children of Las Brisas”
“Independent Lens: Dolores”
“Independent Lens: El Equipo”
“Independent Lens: The In Between”
“Independent Lens: Thousand Pines”
“VOCES: From Here/From There (De Aqui/De Alla)”
Journeys Through Place and Time
“America Outdoors New Mexico: Timeless” – New Mexico was first inhabited by ancient Puebloans millennia ago, and some of the most stunning ruins on the continent can be found here. From turkey hunting to river rafting on the Rio Grande and ancient pueblos built in alignment with the stars, Baratunde Thurston explores how the area’s deep history still shapes the outdoor culture, even as people there are reimagining their outdoor lives.
“Weekend in Havana” – 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 only recently reopened to Americans. "Weekend in Havana" illuminates and surprises, inviting viewers to experience a Cuba that is sizzling with the energy of new possibilities.
Only on Passport:
“Epic Train Journeys from Above: Copper Canyon Railway”
“Express Way with Dulé Hill: California”
Flavor, Community and Everyday Voices
“La Frontera with Pati Jinich” – Savor the sights, sounds and flavors of the U.S.-Mexico border alongside acclaimed chef and James Beard Award-winning host Pati Jinich as she experiences the region’s rich culture, people and cuisine.
“No Passport Required: Chicago” – Chef Marcus Samuelsson visits the city’s longstanding Mexican community — the second largest in the U.S. — to learn about its heritage and cuisine. He tastes tacos de cecina and grilled nopales and learns the secrets of mole sauce from a master.
“Roots of Comedy with Jesus Trejo: Vanessa Gonzalez” – Part comedy, part social commentary, host Jesus Trejo embarks on a journey across America meeting with six rising comedians who explore the mosaic of our nation through the lens of stand-up comedy.
“Taco Mafia” – A new generation of taqueros is demonstrating how to achieve success in a post-pandemic world while expanding the impact a business can have within its own community. The self-proclaimed ‘Taco Mafia’ is forging a new path through friendship, sustainability, tradition, authenticity and a commitment to giving back, while addressing issues such as sustainability, immigration, gentrification and beyond.
Only on Passport:
“POV: Bulls and Saints”
“POV: Hummingbirds”
“POV: Uyra: The Rising Forest”
HOW TO WATCH
Members who contribute a tax-deductible gift of at least $5 per month, or an annual gift of $60 or more, are eligible for Arkansas PBS Passport – an extended, on-demand library of your favorite PBS shows, films and specials.
As a reminder, you can watch anywhere, anytime on myarkansaspbs.org, or by using the PBS app, available on your TV, phone or tablet.