Instituto Cervantes Chicago Offers Rich Slate of Cultural Programming

Instituto Cervantes of Chicago (31 W. Ohio St.), the city's primary non-profit center for Spanish language and cultural exchange, invites Chicagoans to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (through Oct. 15) with a vibrant series of cultural events and programming honoring the significant contributions of Hispanic and Latin Americans to the cultural fabric of the world. The diverse slate of events, which includes plays, musical performances, film screenings and more, is taking place in several venues across the city, with several cultural organizations participating in coordination with Instituto Cervantes.

"We invite everyone in Chicago to join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Instituto Cervantes of Chicago and across the city,” said Instituto Cervantes of Chicago’s newly appointed director Marisa Santos. “Our rich and varied slate of cultural programming offers a unique opportunity to engage with the richness of Hispanic cultures. But the celebration doesn’t end with the month; we have many exciting events planned beyond October that continue to explore and honor Hispanic heritage.

Highlights of Hispanic and Latin American cultural programming at Instituto Cervantes through November are as follows:

Conjunto Cuncumén (Chicago Latino Music Series), Friday, October 11, 7 p.m., Instituto Cervantes of Chicago, 31 W. Ohio St. $20 - $25. Tickets

Organized by the International Latino Cultural Center (ILCC) in collaboration with Instituto Cervantes of Chicago, the quintessential Chilean folk group begins its 70th anniversary celebration with a brief U.S. tour that begins in Chicago. From its early days, Cuncumás was more than a group that played and danced to folk music: they went straight to the music’s roots, visiting the small towns and cities where they were born, documenting their particular rhythms and beats. The group stopped performing after the 1973 coup; it wasn’t until 1992 when the group was revived by its current musical director Mariela Ferreira. This concert is part of the Chicago Latino Music Series.

Carlos Núñez Celtic Sea Live Concert, Tuesday, October 15 – 7:30 p.m., Irish American Heritage Center’s Mayfair Theatre, 4626 N. Knox Ave., $35 ($30 for members of Irish American Heritage Center, International Latino Cultural Center or Instituto Cervantes). Tickets

Presented partnership with the Irish American Heritage Center, Latino Cultural Center and Instituto Cervantes Chicago, acclaimed Galician bagpipe player Carlos Núñez returns to Chicago after 10 years for his Celtic Sea Live Concert. Considered the “7th member of The Chieftains” and proclaimed the “Jimi Hendrix of bagpipes” by Billboard, Núñez embodies and reflects the irrepressible spirit of his native music while also skillfully exploring fresh, fascinating realms of possibility for it. He has become more than a spokesperson for Galician Celtic music: he is one of its greatest ambassadors. He will be joined on stage by his brother Xurxo Núñez on percussion, guitarist Pancho Álvarez and violinist Jonathan Pilatzkje, another member of The Chieftains.

Authentic Flamenco Presents: El Yiyo, Friday, Oct. 18, 6 p.m. & 9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m. & 6 p.m., Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Instituto Cervantes students and members enjoy a 25% discount with code: CERVANTES25, $55. Tickets

Created in partnership with the Royal Opera of Madrid and produced by SO-LA-NA, this special flamenco dance presentation brings together the critically acclaimed Authentic Flamenco and renowned flamenco artist EL Yiyo for an unforgettable performance with stunning vocals, melodies and choreographies. Whether you’re an avid flamenco lover or are just experiencing this amazing art form for the first time, there’s no better, more authentic way to witness the raw power of this captivating Spanish artform firsthand.

The 60th Chicago International Film Festival, Spanish Films:

- Rita (Spain), Directed by Paz Vega, Thu, Oct 17, 5:45 pm, Fri, Oct 18, 3:00 p.m., AMC NEWCITY 14, Special Guests. Scheduled to attend: Director Paz Vega, Regular (In-Person) $24. Tickets: Rita - Cinema Chicago (chicagofilmfestival.com)

- The Other Way Around Volveréis (Spain, France), Directed by Jonás Trueba, Fri., Oct 25, 7:45 pm, Sat., Oct 26, 12:15 p.m., AMC NEWCITY 14, Scheduled to Attend: Actor Vito Sanz. Regular (In-Person) $24. Tickets: Film: The Other Way Around - Cinema Chicago (chicagofilmfestival.com)

- The Room Next Door (Spain), Directed by Pedro Almodóvar, Thursday, Oct. 24, 8:30 pm, AMC NEWCITY 14, 1500 N Clybourn Ave. Special Presentation: $28. Tickets

Profesionales Españoles en Chicago (PEC) Networking Event: Planning Your Retirement: Investing for the Future, Keynote Speaker: Miguel Carlos Puerto Villa, CFA, Thursday, October 24, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Instituto Cervantes of Chicago, 31 W. Ohio St. Tickets

Chartered Financial Analyst and Morning Star Senior Quantitative Financial Analyst Miguel Carlos Puerto Villa presents the keynote: “Planning your retirement: How to invest for the future.” This presentation will be in Spanish. A networking session featuring light appetizers and drinks will follow the presentation. This free event is open to the public but reservations are requested.

International Voices Project (IVP) 2024 Festival, Oct. 28 – Nov. 25 - Showings at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., Instituto Cervantes of Chicago , 31 W. Ohio St. , Free and open to the public. RSVP: https://www.ivpchicago.org/

The International Voices Project (IVP) champions the work of global playwrights by creating opportunities to experience new and contemporary international plays on Chicago stages. IVP debuts voices from the world's stages through commissions, translations, and production, collaborating with consulates, cultural partners, and universities throughout the Chicagoland area and partnering with national and international theatres to promote global playwrights for their U.S. premieres. This fall’s festival presents five stage readings. Each reading is followed by a talkback and complimentary reception.

The Karloff-Lugosi Brothers & A Long Night Into Day, Monday, Oct. 28, Instituto Cervantes of Chicago , 31 W. Ohio St. , Free. Tickets

Experience the unique perspective of Puerto Rican playwright Carlos Manales through two captivating one-act plays that immerse audiences in a world where power dynamics and artistry collide in unexpected ways. The reading, presented in partnership with Urban Theater Company, is directed by Antonio Brown and translated by Dr. Liza Ann Acosta. The reading is followed by a talkback and complimentary reception.

- “A Long Night Into Day”: Jamie, a lonely drunk, argues with the ghostly figure of his brother Edmund in this reflection on Eugene O’Neill’s autobiographical play.

- “The Karloff – Lugosi Brothers”: A visitor and a homebody argue over who does what for whom and, most importantly, who they are each other.

Lit & Luz Festival: of Language, Literature, and Art - Saturación , Oct. 26 - Nov. 2, Various locations

The 2024 Chicago Lit & Luz Festival, Saturation/ Saturación, returns with a fantastic roster of writers and artists from the US and Mexico. The weeklong series of free events begins October 26 and concludes with the Live Magazine Show at Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago on Nov. 2. Festival includes bilingual writing workshops conducted presented by Mexico-based published authors Clyo Mendoza and Javier Peñalosa and Chicago-based author Alejandra Oliva. Each writer-instructor offers a distinct opportunity for writers of all levels. Attendance is limited to ten students per class. The workshop with Javier Peñalosa takes place Wednesday, Oct. 30, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Instituto Cervantes of Chicago, 31 W. Ohio St. $25. Tickets/More information

I Noche Blanca de la Ciencia (First White Night of Science) Friday, Nov. 15, 4 – 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Instituto Cervantes of Chicago 31 W. Ohio St. Free and open to the public

Instituto Cervantes Chicago, Spanish Professionals in Chicago (PEC), and Women in Bio, Chicago (WIB) are collaborating with Association of Spanish Scientists in the United States (ECUSA) to present this event. It is aimed at motivating Spanish children and Hispanic-speaking children between 6-12 years old to learn about science, engage with scientists from different backgrounds, and enjoy and learn in a fun-filled atmosphere. There will be lectures from scientists with diverse backgrounds, booths showcasing basic science research, and fantastic awards for the children.

STL Architects Exhibit "Five Projects in South Korea", Nov. 13, 2024 – Jan. 12, 2025, Instituto Cervantes of Chicago, 31 W. Ohio St., Free and open to the public

This exhibition will present a comprehensive overview of STL Architects' significant contributions to cultural architecture in South Korea over the past five years. At the forefront of the showcase is the Jinju National Museum, a landmark project that secured first place in a prestigious international design competition in August 2023. This museum represents a major architectural achievement for the city of Jinju and exemplifies STL Architects’ commitment to innovative and contextually sensitive design. The museum is slated to open in 2026, offering a transformative cultural space for both the local community and international visitors. By featuring these visionary projects, the exhibition fosters meaningful cross-cultural dialogue between Chicago, Spain, and South Korea. More information

In conjunction with its mission to actively foster global connections through residencies, cultural exchanges, and innovative programming, Instituto Cervantes of Chicago is proud to provide visibility to important Chicago area events throughout Chicago’s rich cultural community. These include the Latino Alliance concerts at Orchestra Hall, performances at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Old Town School and more. For more information, visit Instituto Cervantes Cultural calendar.