From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
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Los Tigres del Norte Headline the First Hispanic Heritage Awards Held Outside D.C.
Los Tigres del Norte were honored with their own day in Minneapolis on Wednesday (Sept. 9), when Mayor Jacob Frey welcomed the band to City Hall and proclaimed it “Los Tigres del Norte Day.” “Los Tigres have always shown up and spoken up for our community, and it is a privilege to once again provide them with a stage to do so,” said Antonio Tijerino, president and CEO of HHF, in a statement.
The recognition came one day before the Mexican-American group headlined the 39th annual Hispanic Heritage Awards at Orchestra Hall, marking the first time the ceremony was held outside Washington, D.C. Other honorees included Mon Laferte, Ximena Sariñana, Oscar D’León, Eladio Carrión and U.S. Rep. Joaquín Castro, in a night that celebrated Latin contributions across music, culture and public service.
Feid’s Short Film ‘El Green Print’ is Headed to U.S. Theaters
Colombian artist Feid is bringing his short film El Green Print to the big screen for a special one-night event on Sunday (Sept. 13). The film will screen in 42 Regal theaters across 41 U.S. cities, with tickets priced at $10 — fully redeemable as a concession voucher at participating locations — and will include the theatrical premiere of his new music video for “A Xon De Que.”
Set across Japan, Miami, Los Angeles and Tokyo, El Green Print follows the latest evolution of Feid’s iconic Ferxxo alter ego, blending underground culture, modified cars, drift racing and cinematic storytelling. The film features appearances by Álvaro Díaz, Yuki Chiba, Tony Hawk and Japanese racing star Keiichi Tsuchiya. Tickets available here. Watch a teaser below.
Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Awards More Than $1.7 Million in Scholarships
The Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation awarded more than $1.7 million in scholarships to music students from across the United States and Ibero-America, supporting tuition, mentorship, learning labs and other educational opportunities. The 2026 recipients include Puerto Rican violinist Razil Rosado Figueroa, who received the Noel Schajris “Prodigy” Scholarship — a four-year award valued at up to $250,000 to study at Berklee College of Music.
“Every scholarship we award represents an investment in the future of Latin music,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, executive director of the foundation. Additional scholarships went to students pursuing studies at the Frost School of Music and Berklee, including vocalists Lea Garza and Melissa Cruz, bassist Anahí Solano, saxophonist Franco Dilmé Romero, clarinetist Gabriela Farinas and bassist David Amparo.
Mariachi Fest Returns to Lake Elsinore With Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán Headlining
Mariachi Fest will return to Southern California on Saturday (Sept. 19), announced last week (Sept. 3), bringing a celebration of Mexican music and culture to Diamond Stadium in Lake Elsinore during Hispanic Heritage Month. Headlined by the legendary Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, the outdoor festival will also feature renowened ranchera singer and actress Beatriz Adriana, Chayito Valdez Hija, Mariachi Grullense and Mariachi Los Toros.
Beyond the music, the family-friendly event will include a tequila and mezcal expo, ballet folklórico, local artisans, authentic Mexican cuisine and a fireworks finale. “Mariachi music carries generations of history and tradition, and this festival is about bringing families together to celebrate that legacy,” said Elvis Frias, founder of Frias Presents, in a statement.
Women in Music Announces Mexico Chapter
Women in Music, the nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, empowering and advancing women in the music industry, announced this week the launch of its new chapter Women in Music Mexico. The new initiative will be led by co-presidents Natalia Escobar, Believe’s director of new business for Mexico, and Andrea Barbosa, YouTube Music’s artist relations manager for Latin America.
“Every woman present in this space has challenged obstacles, challenged expectations and opened paths for those coming behind us,” Alejandra Olea, Believe’s managing director for the Americas, said during the program’s launch in Mexico City. “I couldn’t feel prouder of how this vision is becoming a reality in a country whose music, talent and culture have such a powerful influence on the world.”
The launch of Women in Music Mexico expands the organization’s growing Latin American network, which also includes communities in Argentina, Colombia and Brazil, connecting local markets with Women in Music’s international community. — NATALIA CANO
Toñita Named CHCI’s 2026 Medallion of Excellence Honoree
Brooklyn’s beloved Puerto Rican matriarch María Antonia “Toñita” Cay has been named the 2026 Medallion of Excellence honoree by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), announced Wednesday (Sept. 9). She will be recognized at the organization’s 49th Annual Awards Gala during Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 17.
For more than five decades, Toñita has made Williamsburg’s Caribbean Social Club a gathering place for generations, bringing people together through music, food and Puerto Rican tradition while ensuring that no one in her community goes without a meal. Her impact has reached national audiences through appearances including Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and her annual Toñita Fest. Register here.
