30 Perfect Ways To Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month Around Los Angeles
Get ready for a month full of beautiful culture!
Sophie Len - Staff Writer
Latinx Heritage Month is a time dedicated to celebrating and highlighting the contributions and accomplishments of Latinx Americans in culture and throughout history—past and present. It’s no secret that Los Angeles is home to many Latinx’s, and their influence on our city is impactful.
From desserts, restaurants, and cultural events—here are incredible ways to honor Latinx/o/a’s and our fellow Angelenos this month September 15 to October 15, and beyond!
1. Celebrate and visit the incredible Museum Of Latin American Art for free
Located in Long Beach, MOLAA is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to featuring and highlighting both modern and contemporary Latin American art. While general admission is typically $15, the museum is totally free to the public on Sundays from 11:00A.M. – 5:00P.M. In fact, they’re kicking off the month this Sunday, September 18th with a day full of festivities with a food truck, workshops, performances, and more! Get the full scoop here.
Location: 628 Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
2. Spread the love and grab yourself a heart-shaped pupusa from La Pupusa in DTLA
This Salvadoran pupusa is made with love and it shows! La Pupusa Urban Eatery in Downtown LA offers this 18 inch beauty and can be filled with ingredients of your choice. It’s the perfect size to share, but we wouldn’t blame you if you kept it all to yourself. Check them out here!
Location: 1051 W Washington Blvd G, Los Angeles, CA 90015
3. Bite into limited-edition dulce de leche cupcake from Sprinkles
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Sprinkles cupcakes has joined forces with Netflix’s Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend challenge winner Claudette Zepeda to bring a delectable cupcake that honors the chef’s Hispanic roots. Zepeda’s delectable La Gloria cupcake is full of flavors originating from Northern Mexico and is made up of a caramel flavored cake adorned in pecans, a dulce de leche center, savory yet sweet caramel frosting and topped with cinnamon sugar. Again, these rich cupcakes are only available for a limited time so don’t miss out! Learn more about this collaboration here,
Location: Find your closest Sprinkles location here.
4. Quench your thirst with an exclusive tepache-inspired beer from Golden Road Brewing
Golden Road Brewers David Ortega and Frank Martinez are unveiling their new limited-edition beer inspired by their heritage this Friday! The fermented beverage Tepache, popular on the streets of Jalisco, is a huge inspiration for this pineapple forward beer that featues notes of piloncillo, cinnamon, and clove. This refreshing beer will be available on tap at Golden Road’s Atwater location for a limited time. Learn more here!
Location: 5410 W San Fernando Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
5. Honor the past and inspire the future at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
6. Enjoy some delicious (vegan) Cuban food at Smorgasbord
Evanice is a Cuban, Brazilian American who started Senoreata as a way to connect with her roots even through her veganism. Inspired by her family, her food is made with love, and every bite is a taste of her culture. Her pop-up is open every Sunday at Smorgusburg―that way you can have her delicious Cuban sandwiches and guava pastelitos every weekend.
Location: Sundays at Smorgusburg, 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
7. Dine at the historic Honduran Doña Bibi restaurant in MacArthur Park
Doña Bibi is a locally loved spot in the heart of MacArthur Park that’s been serving up Honduran food since 1997. Honduran immigrant, traditional cook and Latinx activist Doña Bibi opened up this place over 20 years ago, and now Maynor Sandoval upholds her legacy. Local favorites include Doña Bibi’s Sopa De Caracol, a warm pot full of conch, shrimp, yucca, and vegetables, along with their Pescado Lago De Yojoa which is a freshly whole fried fish along with a side of fried green bananas and a bed of cabbage. You’ll surely leave this place full and satisfied! Get their full menu here.
Location: 2400 W 7th St #101, Los Angeles, CA 90057
8. Catch a powerful a show at the iconic Latino Theater Company
The Latino Theater Company’s at The Los Angeles Theatre Center was founded in 1985 with the overall goal to contribute and amplify voices of underserved communities through the power of theater. Today, they continue to explore the U.S. Latina/o/x experience in bold and contemporary terms, and program their Fall and Spring Seasons by working with local playwrights that speak to important issues within the Latina/o/x, First Nation, Black, Asian American, Jewish American and LGBTQ+ communities. Attend a show here!
9. Get your hands on a Frida Khalo-inspired concha at Azules
Azules Coffee Co. is a latina-owned and authentic Coffee Shop that has been serving Orange County and surrounding areas since 2000. They offer a wide variety of hot and iced drinks, we also provide savory and sweet food options. They also have delicious Friday Khalo-inspired conchas up for grabs this month! Get the details here.
Location: 732 N Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805
10. Grab a pint of this locally made Latinx-inspired Ice Cream from Sad Girl Creamery
Sue Mancini of Sad Girl Creamery knows the perfect way to heal your broken heart. She incorporates her culture and childhood to create the perfect ice cream treats that fill you with sweet nostalgia. You can pick up a pint of her Cajeta Latte, Guava Jam Cheesecake, Cinnamon Churro, Caramel Flan, or Vegan Peanut Mazapán ice cream at Sara’s Market. Follow Sad Girl Creamery here!
Location: Sara’s Market, 3455 City Terrace Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90063
11. Party it up with Night Of The Blaxican
This well-established event started off as a backyard party and has now expanded to bigger venues around Los Angeles, but the message remains the same: unity. Each event celebrates La Cultura and music that connects all Angelenos. Their shows are always a good time and include live music and performances, dancing, and more to bring together everyone from every part of L.A. Music includes West Coast Classics, G-Funk, Underground rap, and so much more. As they put it, “It’s time to come together under the culture that unites us all. Come celebrate what makes the West Coast the Best Coast.” Get the lineup here!
12. Start your morning off right with Cafe Calle
Nothing beats the warm smell of coffee in the morning. If you’re in need of some of that sweet caffeine aroma―along with an even better taste―Cafe Calle is the answer. They offer all of that goodness and more with every sip of their coffee. Diana Martinez started the business as a street vendor, and with love and dedication, she opened their first shop along with her mother this year.
Location: 3310 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011
13. Celebrate cultures from México, Central and South America, and beyond with Aquarium Of Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific is throwing their twenty-first annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival in celebration of cultures from México, Central and South America, and beyond. The event features traditional dance, live music, educational programming in English and Spanish, and booths. Get the full scoop here!
14. Get the best of both worlds with some birria-ramen from Birria X Godz
Ashley always had a love for cooking. Being a Latina with Nicaraguan roots raised in L.A., she grew up with different cultures and cuisines. That’s where her passion for cooking truly blossomed and how Birria x Gods was born. They offer juicy birria tacos, cheesy quesadillas, and flavorful birria ramen. Driven by her family and frequent patrons, her food is served with love and dedication.
Location: Get their pop-up schedule here!
15. Get groovy at this FREE Latinx-roller disco party
In honor of this month, Wheelhouse Junipero is throwing a Latinx-disco party this Sunday, September 18 from 4-7P.M. at Junipero Beach with a perfectly curated music. Jam out with Saltwater Deck and Pedal Movement, all skill levels are invited. Reserve your skate rentals in advance here.
Location: 2500 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
16. Satisfy your cravings with Afro-Mexican cuisine at Tamales Elena y Antojito
Tamales Elena y Antojito is a proudly Afro-Latina owned restaurant that offers traditional Mexican food packed with African ingredients that will leave you with bites full of flavor and culture. Their extensive menu us full of different types of tamales, tacos, moles, pozole, and so much more. Whatever it is you’re craving, they will surely satisfy it. Follow them here!
Location: 8101 Garfield Ave, Bell Gardens, CA 90201
17. Celebrate at the Latino Heritage Parade and Festival in Pasadena
Join local and the city of Pasadena for their 24th annual Latino Heritage Parade and Festival on October 1, 2022. The parade kicks off at 10A.M. at Los Robles Avenue and Prescott Street, then heads south on Los Robles Avenue, and concludes 4P.M. at Villa Park Community Center, 363 E. Villa St. That’s not all though! Immediately following the parade, guests will enjoy a festival featuring live entertainment, educational booths, free activities for children, and food available for purchase.
Anyone interested in participating in the parade and/or festival may visit pasadenalatinoheritageparade.org to submit a request to be a parade entrant or festival vendor.
18. Have some family fun by learning how to make Guatemalan worry dolls
Muñecas quitapenas or Worry Dolls are colorful yarn-made dolls from Guatemala that are said to ease children’s worries and help put them to sleep. Learn more about this cultural legend and even make your own with your little one at the San Fernando Library. For ages 5 to 12 with parent or caregiver. Space is very limited, register here.
Location: 217 N Maclay Ave, San Fernando, CA 91340
19. Catch the iconic Pacific Wheel lighting up in honor of Hispanic & Latinx Heritage
The famous 90-foot-tall Ferris wheel found on Santa Monica Pier will put on a tremendous light show in honor of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America on September 15, 2022 from sunset to half past midnight. If you’re unable to make it in person, not to worry! You can catch the incredible light show online here.
Location: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401 -or- online here.
20. Start the day right, and grab yourself some deliciously fresh food from Burrito Break―known for feeding Angelenos on the go
Burrito Break offers affordable and sustainable burritos, salads, and soup made fresh daily. The sister-duo got their recipes from their mother and are inspired by their Mexican roots. They opened up shop when they realized there wasn’t any great options for Angelenos on the go. For how delicious their food is, Claudia and Laura’s low prices are often met with surprise―and delight! These sisters share that it’s important for them to keep their prices low and keep hard-working Angelenos fed.
Location: St Vincent Ct, Los Angeles, CA 90014
21. Celebrate the renaming of Bailey St to Vicente Fernandez Street
Earlier this year, the Los Angeles City Council voted to rename the Boyle Heights street after beloved Mexican singer Vicente “Chente” Fernández. On September 16, that goal has finally coming to fruition. Councilman Kevin de León is inviting Angelenos to Mariachi Plaza at 5P.M. on September 16 to celebrate this grand achievement, alongside Chente’s wife, Doña Cuquita! If you can’t make it out, not to worry. You can still visit this iconic landmark full of history.
Location: 1831 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
22. Join the city of Inglewood’s annual Latinx Heritage Festival
The city of Inglewood is inviting everyone to enjoy their yearly festivities where guests can enjoy an incredible classic car show, community services, live music and bands, family-friendly activities, local vendor booths, and a delicious food court.
Location: Downtown Inglewood – Market Street from Florence to Nutwood Street
23. Take a bite into some authentic Puerto Rican food at Mofongos
Chef Augusto originally started cooking up dishes out of his own home, but after a long period of time, he realized Angelenos deserved to eat some authentic Puerto Rican food too. Thus, Mofongos was born. Today, it’s one of the bets places in Los Angeles to dine and experience the Puerto Rican culture. We highly recommend trying their juicy Mofongo de Bistec encebollado!
Location: 5757 Lankershim Blvd North Hollywood, CA 91601
24. Honor your ancestors with the LAPL and Genealogy Garage
The Los Angeles Public Library is hosting Genealogy Garage: Searching for Your pre-1848 Mexican and Indigenous California Ancestors where Angelenos can learn more about their ancestral roots. From 11A.M. to 12:30P.M. on Saturday, September 17, streaming live on the LAPL YouTube channel, research expert John Schmal will guide guests through resources and repositories that can help find their own ancestors and understand their ways of life. This online presentation is a preliminary kick-off to the Los Angeles Libros Festival and will focus on both Native American and Mexican residents of early California.
25. Dance your heart out with Cumbiatón at L.A.’s Grand Performances free event
Cumbiatón is a cultural movement that utilizes music and art as a way to reach, heal, and uplift oppressed communities. Founded by Dj Sizzle Fantastic and Normz la Oaxaqueña, Cumbiatón has rooted itself in the beautiful barrio of Boyle Heights, CA and has branched out to cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York. Cumbiaton’s vision in all 4 cities is to center womxn, trans, and queer people of color both on the dance floor and in the Dj booth. This Saturday, September 16 they’re brining all the good vibes, music, and even a drag show to Grand Performances. It’s totally free to the public! Register here.
Location: Grand Performances, 350 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90071
26. Attend the Los Angeles Libros Festival online & in-person
The incredible Los Angeles Libros Fest will offer two-days full of celebration for all ages featuring Spanish-language and bilingual storytelling, cultural performances, workshops, and award-winning Latinx authors. On Friday, September 23 the L.A. Libros Fest will be virtual with programs streaming on YouTube. On Saturday, September 24 the festival will be taking place in-person at Central Library in DTLA, with select programs streaming live on their YouTube. Check out the full festival schedule here!
27. Experience some fine-dining at Cecilia’s Caribbean Cuisine
Cecilia’s Caribbean Cuisine is known for launching L.A.’s first fine dining experience for Caribbean food and culture with a contemporary flair. You can find an array of delicious dishes on their menu from their Original Jerk Rubbed Shrimp Plate to Fried Plantains, everything is made with a conscious mind, offering a variety for special dietary needs including vegan and halal options. Learn more about Cecilia’s Caribbean Cuisine here!
Location: 1403 West 11th Street, Los Angeles, CA
28. Visit the historic Olvera Street
This landmark is known as one of DTLA’s oldest streets rich in history, and dates all the way back to 1930. Presently, it pays homage to its Mexican roots. Olvera Street offers its visitors local street vendors, cozy cafes, delicious Mexican restaurants, and wonderful gift shops for all to enjoy year-round. Learn more about its history here.
Location: 845 N Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
29. Try some freshly-made Latin American pastries from Huicho’s Bakery
Found in the Pico-Union area, Huricho’s Bakery offers Aneglenos authentic baked goods from El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, to México. Their goods include conchas, cuernitos, galletas, elotitos, lenos, monos, lenguas, pan cubano, bigotes, enmantecadas, euesos, bolillos, teleras―and so much more! Their menu doesn’t end at the bakery though. They also serve up tortillas, tamales, pupusas, and more. Get their full menu here!
Location: 1250 S Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90006
30. Have a unique dining experience at this Venezuelan chef’s garage turned full-fledged restaurant
Karla Subero Pittol is a Venezuelan-born and Echo Park-raised chef. After strengthening her skills in L.A.’s well-known restaurants, she’s created a cuisine venture of her own—right out of her garage. Every month her once parking space is now a full-fledged restaurant named Chainsaw. Every month she hosts different chefs and cultural eats. She also makes delicious homemade pies that can be purchased at the garage. Learn more about Chainsaw here.
Location: Pittol’s innovative concept has become a local infatuation, and dinners are RSVP only—which fill up fast. You can sign up for text message updates here. The location is released once you book your spot.