Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month in Long Beach
Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 15 to October 15 each year, and in Long Beach several local establishments are hosting parties, workshops, and festivals to celebrate. During this month, we recognize the histories, cultures and contributions of the Latinx community in the U.S. Events in Long Beach include a wide range of activities; artistic to educational, musical to delicious.
MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICAN ART
As the nation’s only museum dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American and Latinx art, the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave) celebrates Hispanic culture on a daily basis. Still, it’s offering a series of special events and programming during Heritage Month, including crafting and art workshops and a session on Afro-Cuban oricha dance therapy with guest musicians and educators.
LONG BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Long Beach Public Library will host a series of family friendly events at its various locations as part of its annual Vida Latina series, a homegrown celebration of culture, stories and community. This year’s events include a mini-festival on lowriders at the Mark Twain Neighborhood Library on Oct. 3, and a party with mariachi, dancing, and crafts called La Gran Tardeada at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, Oct. 15. Other branch locations will host bilingual storytimes, game nights, concerts, and author talks.
HALO ROOFTOP BAR
Put a glamorous spin on Hispanic Heritage Month with a celebratory party at HALO Rooftop Bar at Fairmont Breakers (210 E Ocean Blvd), September 21 from 6 to 10 PM. Featuring a Latin DJ set by TomasMoves, spicy margaritas, and tacos de trompo for purchase, this celebration will be enhanced by the venue’s spectacular views of the Long Beach skyline and beyond. Head to Eventbrite for reservations.
LONG BEACH CIVIC CENTER PLAZA
Councilwoman Mary Zendejas and Vice-Mayor Roberto Uranga will host an event honoring Hispanic Heritage Month at the Civic Center Plaza (411 W Ocean Blvd) on Sept. 16 from 3 to 5 PM. Featuring live music and performances, guest speakers, and food, this event is free to the community.
FUEGO AT HOTEL MAYA
Fuego, the Latin-inspired restaurant at Hotel Maya (700 Queensway Dr), will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with a special menu item on Sept. 16, which is also National Guacamole Day. Fuego’s Executive Chef Victor Juarez has created a Guacamole Trio Special that will be available starting on the 16th and throughout Hispanic Heritage Month. The dish features Crispy Glazed Bacon and Pomegranate Guacamole, Spicy Tuna Guacamole served with wonton chips, and a Tropical Guacamole with pineapple and mango salsa. Pair it with one of Fuego’s creative margaritas for the perfect start to the celebration.
WHY DOES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH TAKE PLACE OVER TWO MONTHS?
Hispanic Heritage Month begins in mid-September and concludes in mid-October. Sept. 15 coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, Chile on the 18th and Belize on the 21st. Additionally, Oct. 12 is recognized as Dia de la Raza–Indigenous Peoples Day–in Mexico, so the heritage month celebration includes all of these significant dates.