Latino Diversity Guide

More than 25,000 Hispanics live in the Richmond Region, and that number is growing quickly. The Region's Hispanic community includes individuals from Mexico, Spain, Latin America and many other Spanish-speaking countries who bring culture and business to the area. In fact, Virginia ranks ninth in the United States for its number of Hispanic-owned businesses.

To support this growing business community, the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, headquartered in Richmond, was created in 2000. Within the organization is the Spanish Academy & Cultural Institute, which offers language and cultural training courses to help build an understanding of Hispanic culture and teach Spanish to employees of local businesses.

As the Hispanic community continues to grow in the Region, so too do the entertainment and cultural opportunities. The annual Que Pasa Hispanic Cultural Festival highlights food, music and dance from the Latino community. Or put on your dancing shoes for some salsa dancing, found almost every weeknight at one of the many restaurants and nightclubs. The Latin Ballet of Virginia, the Region's Hispanic American dance company, offers classes and performances to promote Latin American and Spanish culture throughout the year. And after all this dancing makes you hungry, enjoy authentic Hispanic cuisine at one of the many restaurants around the Region. Check out our cultural festivals sampler.