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.

MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICA ART

Of course, Hispanic and Latinx heritage, culture and art are celebrated every day at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA, 628 Alamitos Ave.), the nation’s only museum dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American and Latinx art. While it is always a terrific resource for anyone interested in reveling in Hispanic culture, it will be especially so during a September 18 event featuring art workshops, dance classes, pop up shops and food in recognition of Hispanic heritage. A morning plein air drawing workshop will be held at MOLAA’s Corner Garden (Seventh St. and Alamitos), a pop up book shop will feature Latinx authors and illustrators, including representatives from the Latino Comics Expo, as well as two Folklorio dance workshops for children 12-and-under and 13-and-over. The Boom Mexican Food Truck will provide authentic Mexican dishes, like their specialty Los Diablo Tacos, Mole Burritos and Tostada Loca.

Photo Credit: Susana Hinojosa

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.

AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

The Aquarium (100 Aquarium Way) hosts its 21st annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival, September 24 and 25, celebrating the cultures and contributions of those from Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Folk dancers and musicians, including Danza Azteca Cultural Ketzaliztli and teaching artist Martin Espino, will share their talent and traditions. Everyone can participate in an ocean conservation-themed lotería game in English and Spanish with a chance to win prizes in the Ocean Theater. Participants can also explore booths from Caracol Museo de Ciencias (Ensenada science museum) Los Angeles Zoo, as well as the Museum of Latin American Art, which will be sharing a free take-home arts and crafts activity.

Photo Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

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.