Knoxville TN, September 21, 2025
News Summary
September marks Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the contributions of the Hispanic community in East Tennessee. Carlos Lopez, the first Spanish broadcaster for the University of Tennessee’s Vamos Vols, embodies this spirit of celebration. Events like the HoLa Festival showcase local Hispanic culture, featuring educational booths, food, and entertainment, fostering community engagement and recognition of Hispanic diversity.
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – September is recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month, and this year, the celebration in East Tennessee is highlighted by the achievements of Carlos Lopez, who is making waves in the community as the Spanish voice for the University of Tennessee’s Vamos Vols.
Carlos Lopez, originally from Caracas, Venezuela, moved to East Tennessee with his family in 2001 during the presidency of Hugo Chavez. His mother worked as an accountant for the national police in Venezuela, but the family decided to leave their home country due to overwhelming financial demands imposed by the government. With only a “suitcase full of dreams,” Lopez’s family sought better opportunities in a new land.
In 2023, Carlos Lopez became the first-ever Spanish broadcaster for the University of Tennessee. His journey to this milestone began when one of his Spanish play-by-play calls gained significant recognition and went viral three years ago. As an educator and former coach, Lopez emphasizes the importance of hard work in realizing dreams in a new country. He aims to make individuals feel included and welcome within the UT community, fostering a sense of belonging among all students and fans.
The community’s recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month in East Tennessee was bolstered by the recent HoLa Festival, celebrated from September 16-17. This marked the 23rd year of the festival, which featured 21 educational Hispanic Heritage booths, children’s activities, and an array of local music and dance presentations.
Attendees at the HoLa Festival were able to explore diverse Hispanic cultures through various food offerings and entertainment options. Local Hispanic-owned businesses were prominently featured, including Antonella’s Bakery, K-Candles Co., Crochet Société, La Taqueria La Herradura, and Las Fuentes, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit and contributions of the Hispanic community to the region.
HoLa Hora Latina, recognized as the oldest Latino nonprofit in East Tennessee, plays a crucial role in uniting and diversifying the community. The festival aims to educate attendees about a variety of Hispanic cultures and heritage while encouraging active engagement with local Hispanic businesses and events.
As part of the festivities, the signature event included a Parade of Nations, where participants showcased traditional costumes and cultural pride. Festival-goers enjoyed authentic food such as birria tacos, paletas, and an assortment of sweet treats, further enhancing the experience of cultural exchange. The event not only fosters connections among community members but also stands as a celebration of the many diverse heritages present in East Tennessee.
Conclusion
The achievements of individuals like Carlos Lopez and events like the HoLa Festival reflect the growing recognition and contributions of the Hispanic community in East Tennessee. As the community continues to celebrate Hispanic heritage, it highlights the importance of inclusion, diversity, and shared cultural experiences.
FAQ
What is Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration that takes place in September, recognizing the contributions and cultural heritage of Hispanic Americans.
Who is Carlos Lopez?
Carlos Lopez is originally from Caracas, Venezuela, and is the first-ever Spanish broadcaster for the University of Tennessee’s Vamos Vols.
What is the HoLa Festival?
The HoLa Festival is an event celebrating Hispanic culture, featuring educational booths, music, dance, and food, and it was celebrated from September 16-17 this year.
What businesses were featured at the festival?
Local Hispanic-owned businesses like Antonella’s Bakery, K-Candles Co., Crochet Société, La Taqueria La Herradura, and Las Fuentes were highlighted during the festival.
What is HoLa Hora Latina?
HoLa Hora Latina is the oldest Latino nonprofit in East Tennessee, which plays a vital role in unifying and diversifying the community.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Hispanic Heritage Month | Celebrated in September, recognizing contributions of Hispanic Americans. |
| Carlos Lopez | The first-ever Spanish broadcaster for the University of Tennessee’s Vamos Vols. |
| HoLa Festival | A cultural event held from September 16-17 featuring food, music, and educational exhibits. |
| Community Engagement | Encourages support of local Hispanic-owned businesses and cultural awareness. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Knoxville Museum of Art Hosts Innovative Dance Performance
Knoxville Celebrates its First Book Festival
Centro Hispano de East Tennessee Faces Growing Demand
Exploring the Vibrant Art Scene of Downtown Knoxville: A First Friday Experience
Knoxville Gears Up for Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations with a Month Full of Events
Knoxville Gears Up for Vibrant Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations
Knoxville Gears Up for Exciting Hispanic Heritage Celebrations in September
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Carlos Lopez – Venezuelan Voice of Vamos Vols
- Wikipedia: Hispanic Heritage Month
- UT Daily Beacon: Local Hispanic-Owned Businesses
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hispanic Heritage Month
- Inside of Knoxville: HoLa Festival 2023 Kicks Off Hispanic Heritage Month
- Google Search: Hispanic Heritage Month events
- WATE: Behind the Scenes at a Knoxville Tortilla Factory
- Google News: Hispanic heritage in Knoxville
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
