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Spanish Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15) is a celebration of the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities to the United States. In Los Angeles, where Hispanic culture is deeply woven into the fabric of the city, there are numerous ways to celebrate, from attending lively events to visiting historic landmarks and supporting local Hispanic-owned businesses. This guide will help you make the most of Hispanic Heritage Month with activities and events that showcase the vibrancy of this cultural celebration.

Events to Attend

Pasadena Latino Heritage Parade & Festival (October 5, 2024)
Pasadena celebrates its Latino community with a colorful parade and festival. Enjoy local vendors, food, and entertainment, all while learning more about the rich Hispanic heritage in the area.
Event details here.
AltaMed Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month (September 12, 2024)
AltaMed hosts an exclusive art exhibition featuring one of the largest Chicano art collections in the world. Enjoy a wine tasting from California Latino vintners and live Latin music.
Details and tickets here.
City of Inglewood Hispanic Heritage Festival (September 21, 2024)
A celebration in downtown Inglewood featuring live mariachi bands, local vendors, a car show, and a variety of food options.
Event details here.
La Feria de los Moles (September 28, 2024)
Head to Olvera Street to enjoy a variety of moles from different Mexican regions in this vibrant festival, filled with cultural presentations and live entertainment.
More info here.

Cultural Landmarks to Explore

Olvera Street
This historical marketplace is the heart of Mexican culture in LA. Known as the birthplace of Los Angeles, Olvera Street offers traditional Mexican goods, food, and live performances, making it a must-visit during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Visit Olvera Street.
El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument
Located next to Olvera Street, El Pueblo is a vibrant cultural hub that highlights the city's Mexican roots. The area hosts festivals, food vendors, and events throughout Hispanic Heritage Month.
Explore El Pueblo.
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
This downtown cultural center focuses on the Mexican and Mexican-American experience in LA. With art exhibitions, family activities, and educational programs, it's an engaging stop for anyone interested in exploring the contributions of the Latino community to the city.
Learn more here.
The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
MOLAA, located in Long Beach, is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated solely to modern and contemporary Latin American art. Their exhibits showcase works by Latin American and Latino artists from across the globe.
Visit MOLAA.

Staff Favorites: Books, Shows, and Restaurants

To add a personal touch to your Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, our team has compiled some of their favorite books, shows, and restaurants that highlight Latinx culture. These recommendations offer a glimpse into the diverse tastes and traditions of our staff:

Stephanie’s Pickssome text
- Book: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
  A thrilling novel blending horror and historical fiction, set in 1950s Mexico.
- Book: Cultura & Cash
  A unique perspective on Latinx culture and business; the author may even repost if we tag her!
- Show: Gentefied
  A comedy-drama that explores the struggles of a Mexican-American family in a gentrifying neighborhood.
Esther’s Pickssome text
- Book: Mexican Gothic
  Esther also recommends this gripping novel about family secrets and haunted mansions.
- Show: Wizards of Waverly Place
  A fun, magical show about a Latino family living in New York.
- Restaurant: Holbox
  A seafood restaurant offering fresh Mexican-inspired dishes in Los Angeles.
  Visit Holbox here.
Vako’s Pickssome text
- Show: Como Sobrevivir Soltero
  A Mexican comedy series about single life in the digital age.
Gigi’s Pickssome text
- Show: Acapulco
  A lighthearted comedy set in the vibrant world of a luxury resort in Acapulco.
- Restaurant: Si! Mon
  Known for its fusion of Mexican street food with modern flavors.
  Explore Si! Mon here.
Isaac’s Pickssome text
- Restaurant: Habanero Mexican Grill, Riverside
  A hidden gem offering authentic Mexican cuisine in Riverside.
  Check it out here.
- Show: El Chavo del Ocho
  A classic Mexican comedy beloved across generations.
- Book: Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
  A moving story about a young girl’s journey from Mexico to California during the Great Depression.
Hiba’s Pickssome text
- Show: La Reina del Sur
  A gripping series following a woman’s rise to power in the dangerous world of drug cartels.
- Restaurant: Toca Madera
  A modern take on traditional Mexican cuisine in a stylish setting.
  Visit Toca Madera here.

Local Hispanic Events & Performances

Latino Theater Company at The Los Angeles Theatre Center (LATC)
The Latino Theater Company produces works highlighting the Latino experience, with performances that captivate audiences year-round.
Visit the LATC.
Grand Park's "Fútbol USA" Series
Grand Park hosts film screenings and discussions on the history of soccer (fútbol) within the Latino community, celebrating the influence of Latino athletes in the sport.
Learn more about this event.

Famous Hispanic Figures in LA History

Los Angeles has been shaped by many influential Hispanic figures who have made profound contributions in politics, arts, activism, and community building. Here are a few:

Cesar Chavez
A civil rights leader and labor organizer, Chavez co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) and fought tirelessly for better working conditions for agricultural workers, many of whom were Hispanic. His impact resonates today in the labor and civil rights movements across the U.S. Read more here.
Dolores Huerta
A key figure alongside Cesar Chavez in the UFW, Huerta is a powerful advocate for labor rights and women's rights. She coined the famous slogan "Sí, se puede" (Yes, we can) and continues to fight for social justice today. Read more here.
Edward James Olmos
A legendary actor and activist, Olmos is best known for his work in films like Stand and Deliver and his efforts to improve Latino representation in Hollywood. He’s also heavily involved in community outreach and advocacy for Hispanic communities in Los Angeles.
Gloria Molina
As the first Latina elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Molina made a lasting impact on local politics, advocating for healthcare reform, environmental justice, and community empowerment.

Volunteering Opportunities

Hispanic Heritage Month is not only about celebration but also about giving back. Here are some ways to contribute to the Hispanic community in Los Angeles:

CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights)
CHIRLA advocates for immigrant rights and offers volunteer opportunities in organizing, community education, and legal services.
Volunteer with CHIRLA.
Los Angeles Mission
This nonprofit serves the homeless population of Los Angeles, many of whom are Hispanic. You can volunteer by preparing meals, distributing resources, and offering support services.
Volunteer at the LA Mission.
Homeboy Industries
Homeboy Industries helps formerly incarcerated individuals and those involved with gangs, offering a fresh start through job training, mental health support, and community outreach. Volunteer to mentor or assist in programs that directly impact Hispanic youth and adults.
Learn more about volunteering here.
AltaMed Health Services
AltaMed focuses on improving access to healthcare for underserved Hispanic communities. Volunteers can help with health outreach programs, education, and community health fairs.
Get involved with AltaMed.

Educational Resources

Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to deepen your understanding of Hispanic and Latinx culture. Here are some excellent books, documentaries, and podcasts to help you engage further:

Books:

"The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros
A modern classic that tells the coming-of-age story of Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, highlighting issues of identity, culture, and gender.
"Borderlands/La Frontera" by Gloria Anzaldúa
A groundbreaking exploration of the cultural and emotional impact of living between two worlds, this book offers insights into the Mexican-American experience.

Documentaries:

"Dolores"
This documentary follows the life and activism of Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the UFW, and her relentless fight for labor rights and social justice.
Watch it on PBS.
"Los Tigres del Norte at Folsom Prison"
A documentary on the legendary Norteño band’s performance at Folsom Prison, paying tribute to Johnny Cash and highlighting the Latino experience behind bars.
Available on Netflix.

Podcasts:

Latino USA
Hosted by Maria Hinojosa, this award-winning podcast covers news, culture, and politics from the perspective of the Latinx community.
Listen here.
In the Thick
This podcast delves into issues affecting people of color, with a focus on the Latinx experience in America, featuring in-depth conversations on politics, immigration, and social justice.
Listen here.
Latinos Who Lunch
Hosted by FavyFav and Babelito, this podcast discusses Latinx culture, art, food, and identity in a fun and engaging way.
Listen here.
Nos Vemos en el Swap Meet
Hosted by Samantha Martinez, this bilingual podcast highlights different Latinx voices and stories, focusing on cultural experiences and community impact.
Listen here.
Brown Bag Podcast
Hosted by Letty, DoKnow, and Vic, this podcast focuses on Latinx culture in Los Angeles, mixing pop culture, music, and personal experiences.
Listen here.

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How Estrada Law Group is Celebrating Spanish Heritage Month

At Estrada Law Group, we understand the importance of giving back to our community and celebrating cultural milestones. During Hispanic Heritage Month, our firm is:

Partnering with local Hispanic-owned businesses to offer legal educational workshops.
Participating in community events and providing resources on personal injury and workers' rights, particularly for Spanish-speaking communities.

If you have any ideas on how we can further support the community or would like to participate in these events with us, please reach out.

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Los Angeles offers endless opportunities to celebrate Spanish Heritage Month, from festivals and volunteering to learning about influential Hispanic figures who have shaped the city. Whether attending local events, exploring cultural landmarks, or supporting Hispanic-owned businesses, this month provides a rich cultural experience for all.

At Estrada Law Group, we’re proud to serve the Hispanic community and are dedicated to helping individuals navigate legal issues, particularly personal injury and wrongful death cases. If you or a loved one need legal assistance, contact us today to learn how we can assist you in protecting your rights.

Estrada Law Group
Phone: +1 (323) 609 5000
Email: info@estradalawgroup.com | intake@estradalawgroup.com

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Guide to Celebrating Spanish Heritage Month in Los Angeles: Events and Local Highlights