Hispanic Heritage Month in Long Beach
Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated nationally from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, recognizes the histories, cultures and contributions of those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean. There are a wide range of related activities happening all over Long Beach – artistic, educational, musical and delicious – so check out what’s happening.
LONG BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Library will host a series of events, from September 10 through November 2, 2022, at various Long Beach Public Library locations as part of its fourth annual Vida Latina celebration. This year’s events, which will be presented both in-person and virtually, include Mercadito Literario, a literary fair on October 15 at Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway) featuring Hispanic/Latinx authors and poets as well as small business and community resources. There will be demonstrations of folk art and herbal remedies utilizing books from the Library’s collection as well as bilingual storytimes for toddlers and preschoolers. A Day of the Dead celebration will have crafts, treats and live musical performances.
LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE
LBCC’s own Latinx Heritage Celebration, will feature a series of events throughout September and October, some in-person, some offered virtually. The range of experiences stretch from a fun, free evening of loteria hosted by drag performer Queen Torta Jugosa to an afternoon with Long Beach writer Maya Chinchilla presenting stories and poetry that are at once historical, humorous and sometimes heartbreaking. There will be film screenings, panel discussions on Latinx identity, as well as the play “De Donde?” presented by the Long Beach City College Performing Arts Department. There will also be an opportunity to meet, over Zoom, the LBCC Latinx faculty and staff.
IF YOU’RE CURIOUS: WHY IS HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH, TWO MONTHS?
Hispanic Heritage Month begins in mid-September and concludes in mid-October. September 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, October 12 is recognized as Dia de la Raza – Indigenous Peoples Day – in Mexico, it all makes perfect sense and symmetry.