Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month in Long Beach

Long Beach will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 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 AMERICAN ART

September 15 & 19

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, beginning with a free musical performance by multidisciplinary Afro-Puerto Rican artist and educator Lucas Rivera on Sept. 15, and a beginner-friendly salsa dance workshop on Sept. 19.

Photo Credit: Susana Hinojosa

LONG BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY

September 12

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, presented both in-person and virtually, include a festive bookmark crafting event with the Adult Art Club on Sept. 12, story time and bilingual read aloud events for kids, and more.

LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE

September 17

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 Sept. 17 with its “Kickoff” featuring food, music, student performers and a concert. What will follow ranges from film screenings and workshops to karaoke and open-mic nights, sip-and-paint evenings, and a game night.

CREDIT: Long Beach City College

AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

September 21 & 22

The Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) will host its 23rd annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival, Sept. 21 and 22, 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 aquarium admission ticket.

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

WHY IS HISPANIC & LATINX HERITAGE MONTH DURING 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 Sept. 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.