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Hispanic Heritage Month Events In LA

Cinco De Mayo Celebrated In Los Angeles
(credit: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 each year. The month celebrates Hispanic cultures from Latin countries all over the world. Hispanic Heritage Month offers many celebrations throughout the LA community, which has one of the largest Latino communities in the state. The events are a great tribute as well as a fine celebration to Latinos not only in Los Angeles but across the world.

Fiestas Patrias Festival credit Del Rey Entertainment
(credit: Del Rey Entertainment)

Fiestas Patrias Festival
Whittier Narrows Park
South El Monte, CA 91733
(323) 201-0888
Sept. 8
More Info

The annual Fiestas Patrias Festival is a great kick-start to Hispanic Heritage Month in Los Angeles. The celebration, which helps commemorate Mexico's declaration of independence from Spain, is a collection of music, art, cultural events and great food. Bring the family and enjoy a long list of Mexican musical acts and other fun festivities. Mexico will not be the only country celebrated at this event. Organizers note that food and culture from South and Central American countries will also be celebrated at Fiestas Patrias.

Cinco De Mayo Celebrated In Los Angeles
(credit: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Latin American Heritage Celebration
Angelus Plaza
255 S. Hill St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 623-4352 Ext 308
Sept. 20
www.angelusplaza.org

Get outside while the weather is still warm and enjoy one of the largest outdoor celebrations in Los Angeles for Hispanic Heritage Month. There are lots of Latino culture showcases and they are quite colorful with art, musical celebrations and even mariachi bands. The music varies with performances from groups from Latin American countries such as Cuba, Mexico and other places in Central and South America. This is a great event for young children, teens and college students to learn about Latino culture.

"No On Proposition 32" Concert With Crosby, Stills & Nash And Tom Morello
(credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Latino Author Summit
University of La Verne
1950 3rd St.
La Verne, CA 91750
(858) 603-8680
Sept. 21
www.lbff.us

The first Latino Author Summit produced by the literacy advocacy group Latino Literacy Now, which includes actor Edward James Olmos on its board of directors, is a great alternative to crowded festivals celebrating Latino culture during September and October. It is LLN's first author summit being held in lieu of its annual Latino Book and Family Festival that was put on hold this year. The all-day event, held in conjunction with the Latino Education Access and Development Conference, will cater to middle school through college-age youths, teaching them about leadership, scholarship opportunities, publishing opportunities and mentorship. Some of the 40-plus authors taking part in seminars and panels include Yolanda Espinoza, Lilibeth André, Matt Mendez and Carlos Gil. The conference also plans to hold a small "feria" or fair close by so conference-goers can enjoy food, drinks, music and exhibits.

Baja Splash Cultural Festival
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 590-3100
Sept. 28 to 29
www.aquariumofpacific.org

Mixing culture, music, art, food and the biodiversity of Baja, Mexico, the 12th Annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival is a slightly different take on celebrating Hispanic heritage. The kids will enjoy all of the music and dance performances featuring folk dances from countries like Guatemala and El Salvador as well as Mexico. They can also learn about animals on the Baja peninsula and how they can help protect them. This creative celebration seems to have something for everyone, especially animal lovers.

Related: Resources For Aspiring Writers In LA

The 3rd Annual Taste of Mexico 
La Plaza de Cultura y Artes
501 N. Main St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(503) 927-6462
Oct. 11
www.thetasteofmexico.org

At the La Plaza de Cultura y Artes in downtown Los Angeles, the taste event is a sampling of foods from some of LA's best Mexican restaurants and some from Mexico. Live mariachi and lots of other great entertainment will keep you moving your feet. Don't forget all the tequila and craft mezcal tastings offered as well. This is so much fun and a must-attend food frenzy for the food lover.

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Leslie Cohen, Editor In Chief Cwebnews and VP Creative Affairs Paris Jewelry. Former business development manager for an international software company managing cyber intellectual property for Fortune 500's and large internet companies. She has spearheaded projects in the internet retail space that involve media content management. Her articles appear on Cwebnews, Yahoo Content, The Examiner , Go Articles and more. She has experience in press releases. website content writing

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