Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month in Long Beach

Long Beach will celebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. The celebration, recognizing the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean, will take place in colleges, aquariums, museums and libraries offering a wide range of activities; artistic to educational, musical to delicious.

MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICA ART

As the nation’s only museum dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American and Latinx art, the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA, 628 Alamitos Ave.) celebrates Hispanic culture on a daily basis. Still, it’s offering a slew of special events and programming during Heritage Month. There are live, virtual tours focusing on photography and African influences on Latinx art, as well as lectures about art, activism, the Day of the Dead and Mexican Folklórico.

Photo Credit: Susana Hinojosa

LONG BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Long Beach Public Library will host a series of events at its various locations as part of its fourth annual Vida Latina, a homegrown celebration of culture, stories and community. This year’s events, which will be presented both in-person and virtually, include Mercadito Literario, a family-friendly book fair and literary festival highlighting Latin American, bilingual and Spanish-language booksellers, vendors and resources.

LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE

Long Beach City College is offering a wide array of fun, interactive and educational events throughout September and October during its own Latinx Heritage Celebration. It all starts September 21 with its “Kickoff” featuring food, music, student performers and a concert. What will follow ranges from a screening of “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” to poetry events, sip-and-paint evenings as well as a Latinx game night.

AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

The Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) will host its 22nd annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival, September 23 and 24, celebrating the cultures and contributions of those from Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Folk dancers, musicians and artists will share their talent and traditions. Visitors can participate in games, create art and explore craft activities. Admission to the festival is included with a general admission ticket.

Photo Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

WHY IS HISPANIC & LATINX HERITAGE MONTH DURING TWO MONTHS?

Hispanic & Latinx 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, so the heritage month celebration includes all of these important dates.