Celebrating La Hispanidad, Mexican Independence Day, Puerto Rico, and Rafael Hernández
in the Official Kick-Off of Hispanic Heritage Month
Latinos in Times Square 2025 opens Hispanic Heritage Month with a full-day celebration of La Hispanidad, uniting the Americas through music, dance, and shared heritage. In collaboration with the Times Square Alliance and the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), led by Commissioner Ydanis Rodríguez, festivities run 1:00–8:00 PM in Father Duffy Square and feature electrifying performances by artists representing countries across Latin America and the Caribbean—honoring the richness and unity of our cultures.
Shining a spotlight on Puerto Rico, the festival presents “Boricuas on Broadway Sing Rafael Hernández,” a 40-minute musical tribute to one of the island’s greatest glories, Rafael Hernández Marín (“El Jibarito”)—whose timeless boleros and Caribbean rhythms have scored generations of love, longing, and Boricua pride.
The Puerto Rican segment is hosted by Broadway icon, Tony, Obie, and Drama Desk Award–winner Priscilla López. This act will unite a powerhouse Boricua company from the Broadway and Off-Broadway scenes: vocal director and soloist Shadia Fairuz (Real Women Have Curves), Ángel Lozada (Bad Cinderella), Luis Herrera (Latino Broadway Men), and Elisa Galíndez (Real Women Have Curves). Dynamic choreography by Ralphie Rivera—performed by Rivera and Yoaldri Messina—drives the staging, while a 10-piece orchestra of Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico alumni performs under the baton of Dr. Manuel Calzada, Chancellor of the Conservatorio. Special appearances by Jeannie Sol, Ana Campos, Alex Bautista, and Manuel Morán round out the ensemble. Together, they salute “El Jibarito,” Rafael Hernández, with nods to signature hits like “Preciosa,” “Lamento Borincano,” “Campanitas de Cristal,” and “El Cumbanchero.” Directed and produced by Dr. Manuel Morán for Teatro SEA.
A Special Announcement — “El Musical”
During the segment, Teatro SEA and Dr. Manuel A. Morán will unveil El Musical—a new platform dedicated to the creation, production, and investment in Latine musical theatre. This initiative opens doors for artists and audiences alike, ensuring our stories take center stage on the world’s greatest platforms.
Event Details
What: Latinos in Times Square 2025 — Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off
When: Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 1:00–8:00 PM (Puerto Rican segment at 3:00 PM)
Where: Duffy Square, Times Square, New York City
Presented by: Teatro SEA (Artistic Director: Dr. Manuel A. Morán)
Quotes
“Launching Hispanic Heritage Month in Times Square is a celebration of our shared roots and our collective future,” said Dr. Manuel A. Morán, Artistic Director of Teatro SEA. “Honoring Rafael Hernández with Boricua artists from Broadway is both a tribute and promise.”
“It’s a joy to host this tribute to El Jibarito,” said Priscilla López. “His music is the heartbeat of Puerto Rico—and today, it echoes across the Americas in the very center of New York City.”
About Rafael Hernández
Rafael Hernández Marín (1892–1965), “El Jibarito,” is among the most prolific and beloved Puerto Rican composers, credited with over 2,000 works that span boleros, guarachas, and patriotic hymns—songs that continue to define identity and inspire across borders.