Since 1988, Americans have proudly celebrated their citizens with Hispanic roots through Latinx Heritage Month. Observed between September 15 and October 15, Latinx Heritage Month allows individuals to learn more about unfamiliar cultures or their ancestral ties. Whatever the case, Long Beach and Los Angeles are holding various events with education and entertainment at the forefront. Here’s where you can commemorate this year’s Latinx Heritage Month.
Baja Splash Cultural Festival at the Aquarium of the Pacific
Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific invites you to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with their Baja Splash Cultural Festival. This two-day event is included with general admission tickets and is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 23 and September 24. Visitors can expect musical and dance performances from different Hispanic countries, games, and more. While you’re at it, make sure to check out one or more of the aquarium’s 100 exhibits.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is located in Long Beach at 100 Aquarium Way. General admission tickets range from $29.95 to $44.95 and can be purchased here. Parking is available for $8.
El Grito De Independencia at Smith Park in Pico Rivera
The city of Pico Rivera is celebrating Mexico’s Independence Day and Hispanic Heritage Month with El Grito De Independencia. You won’t want to miss out! There will be Mariachi courtesy of Cielito Lindo, Ballet Folklórico from Eterna Juventud, and other performers. Likewise, an array of Latin food will be available, including Birreria Los Cachorritos and Evil Cooks, to name a few. This event starts at 5 p.m. on September 15 at Smith Park. General admission tickets are free and can be reserved online. A tequila tasting and VIP packages are also available.
Smith Park is located at 6016 Rosemead Blvd, Pico Rivera
Afro-Latino Culture Fest at Douglas F. Dollarhide Community Center
On September 30th, the non-profit organization, the Afro-Latino Education & Arts Collective, is hosting the Afro-Latino Culture Fest. Hosted by comedian Gadiel Del Orbe and actress Isadora Ortega, this event is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will take place at The Douglas F. Dollarhide Community Center in Compton. Similarly to Orale, the Afro-Latino Culture Fest will have food, performances (including from artist TossTones Aponte), and more. Best of all, it’s free to attend, but tickets must be reserved online. Individuals of all ages, including children, are encouraged to join the fun.
The Douglas F. Dollarhide Community Center is located in Compton at 301 N Tamarind Ave.
MOLAA
This year, in honor of Latinx Heritage Month, the Museum of Latina American Art (MOLAA) is holding various virtual lectures and tours through their Latinx Heritage Programming. Options include “I Am,” “Guadalupe,” and more. The former focuses on Afro-Latinx artwork, and the latter on the imagery of the Virgen de Guadalupe. If you’re interested in attending or want to learn more, email Tours@molaa.org. Alternatively, you could visit the museum. On September 10, two new exhibits are opening at MOLAA: Alexandre Arrechea: Intersected Horizons and Paola Vega: The Mystery of Painting. Videos, photos, and more from Arrechea, who hails from Cuba, will be displayed at the museum. Vega has made a name for herself through her large, colorful paintings, and according to MOLAA, this is her first exhibit in the Western U.S.
MOLAA is located at 628 Alamitos Ave. Parking is free. Admission ranges from $10 to $15 but is free on Sundays. To reserve tickets, click here.
Pasadena Latino Heritage Parade & Festival
Pasadena’s Latino Heritage Committee is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a bang. On September 16th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the committee is holding its 25th annual Latino Heritage Parade and Festival. Per the City of Pasadena, the all-age event has a theme; “Reaching for the Stars.” Amongst the highlights are food and live performances. If you want to catch the parade, head to Los Robles Avenue and Buckeye Street and follow the route to Pasadena’s stunning city hall. However, the festival will be held at the nearby Villa Parke Community Center.
The Villa Parke Community Center is located in Pasadena at 363 E Villa St #1021.
Latina/o/x Heritage Month Kickoff at LBCC
Long Beach Community College students, this one’s for you! 56% of LBBC students identify as Latinx, and the institution is proud of this figure. LBCC has virtual events lined up throughout September and October to honor Latinx Heritage Month. Their kickoff celebration begins at the main quad of the Liberal Arts Campus on September 21 at noon and ends at 2 p.m. Last year’s event featured ballet folkloriko and Aztec dance performances, free food, and more. This year’s lineup of activities for the kickoff festival is yet to be announced.
Long Beach City College is located at 4901 East Carson St.
La Plaza De Cultura y Artes
Located in Downtown Los Angeles near historic Olvera Street, La Plaza de Culturas y Artes honors Los Angeles’s Latino population, both past and present, and is an exemplary place to celebrate. La Plaza has several upcoming events, both free and paid, in September. They include Fiestas Patrias Family Day on September 10, which celebrates Mexico’s Independence, and a salsa-making class on September 21. La Plaza also has exhibits such as 18th & Grand: The Olympic Auditorium, which commemorates the down-defunct sports arena. Another exhibit, Recetario para la memoria (Memory Recipe Book), displays photos of the favorite food of missing individuals from Mexico.
La Plaza de Culturas y Artes is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. and is located in Los Angeles at 501 N Main St. Admission is free, and paid parking is available nearby.
Orale Arte, Cultura, Y Musica at LBCC
Want to eat and shop, all while celebrating Latinx Heritage Month? Then look no further than Orale Arte, Cultura, Y Musica, which is being held on September 30 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Long Beach City College’s Pacific Coast Campus. The event will feature live music performances from cumbia band MariaChingona and alternative music from Twin Seas. Moreover, food and other goods will be sold by local vendors. Tickets for this event are free and can be reserved here.
Long Beach City College, Pacific Coast Campus is located at 1305 E Pacific Coast Hwy.
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