Pasadena's Tribute to Latino Heritage: A Month of Celebration and Education

PASADENA, Calif.- The City of Pasadena is commemorating National Latino Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America with a wide variety of programming, including free events, crafts, storytimes, book discussions, and activities for all ages. Latino Heritage Month, also known as Hispanic Heritage Month, is celebrated annually in the United States from September 15 to October 15. This month-long observance honors the rich cultural heritage, history, and contributions of Latinos/Hispanics to the nation. September 15 is significant in much of Latin America because it marks Independence Day for several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Sálvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. México and Chile also celebrate their Independence Days in September, on September 16 and 18, respectively. Latino Heritage Month also serves as a time to recognize the profound impact Latinos/Hispanics have had on American society in general and in a variety of specific fields, including the arts, politics, education, the economy, and more.

For a list of programs relating to Latino Heritage Month, including free events, crafts, story times, book discussions, and many other activities for all ages, please visit CityOfPasadena.net/Library or CityOfPasadena.net/Parks-And-Rec.
Library programming is sponsored by The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library.
Programs and EventsFor all ages unless specified.

Fiestas Patrias
Friday, Sept. 13 • 5-9 p.m. • Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St.
Let's celebrate the independence of 18 Latin American Countries in a grand fashion! This family-friendly event highlights the colors, richness and warmth of Latin American culture. Enjoy live music and traditional dances performed by local community groups.

Latino Heritage Month Preschool Storytime
Wednesday, Sept. 25 • 10:30 a.m. • Santa Catalina Branch Library. 999 E. Washington Blvd.
Join us for a special storytime featuring Latino authors and stories. Stay to make a colorful craft. For ages 3-5 and their caregivers.

INCA, the Peruvian Ensemble
Wednesday, Sept. 25 • 4 p.m. • La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave.
Experience Peru's amazing and diverse musical heritage! Listen to the music of the native Incas (Andean style), the Hispanic communities of the coastal areas (Criollo style) and the Black people from the villages south of Lima (Afro-Peruvian style). The instrumentation, unique to these areas, including woodwinds, strings, percussion and vocals are all featured during the show.

Movie Night (A Million Miles Away)
Friday, Sept. 27 • 7 p.m. • Madison Elementary School, 515 E. Ashtabula St.
Join us under the stars for a special screening of "A Million Miles Away." This inspiring movie follows José Hernandez's incredible journey from farm worker to engineer and astronaut. It's a story of perseverance, community, and sacrifice, showing how one person can achieve the impossible. Bring your blankets and snacks for a heartwarming evening celebrating dreams that reach beyond the stars!

Fiesta La Pintoresca
Wednesday, Oct. 2 • 4 p.m. • La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave.
La Pintoresca invites you to celebrate Latino Heritage Month with cultural stories, crafts, music and much more.

Latino Heritage Parade and Festival
Saturday, Oct. 5 • 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. • Parade Route / City Hall
Join local schools, community groups, elected officials, dignitaries, neighbors and friends at the 26th Annual Latino Heritage Parade and Festival. The parade begins at Los Robles Avenue and Buckeye Street and ends in front of Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave., where the festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. This event is sponsored by the City of Pasadena and the Pasadena Latino Heritage Committee.

De Colores: Celebrating Latino Diversity Through Music
Saturday, Oct. 12 • 3 p.m. • Lamanda Park Branch Library, 140 S. Altadena Dr.
Our world is full of so many colors. Join us and enjoy music that highlights an expression of happiness and celebration. Presented by Gloria and Javier Arjona.

Community Ofrenda
Monday, Oct. 21 - Monday, Nov. 4 • 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd.
Come place your photos, messages or other family mementos on our community ofrenda, or altar. The ofrenda will be on display at the library until Monday, Nov. 4.

Dia de los Muertos
Friday, Nov. 1 • 5-9 p.m. • Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St.
Join friends and neighbors at Villa Parke Community Center to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Commemorate the centuries-old holiday with dance performances, arts and crafts, food available for purchase and "ofrendas," altars honoring the lives of the deceased.

Latino-owned Businesses Spotlight Series
Month-long series • Social Media
The City's Public Affairs team is set to spotlight Latino-owned businesses in Pasadena. Follow along as we highlight local gems on social media. Facebook and Instagram @CityOfPasadena, and Twitter (X) @PasadenaGov.

CraftsFor all ages unless specified.

Sunday, Sept. 15 • While supplies last
Take & Make: Decorate a Paleta
A "paleta" is a frozen treat, like a Popsicle, popular in many Latin American countries and among Latino communities in the United States. This month, help us decorate our display by crafting your own paleta at home and bringing it back to Hastings Branch so that we can display it at the front desk! One kit per person, please! For multiple people, fill out multiple forms. Reserve a kit at CityOfPasadena.Libwizard.com/f/Paleta. Sign-ups begin Sunday, Sept. 15. Kits can be picked up at Hastings Branch Library.

Rabbit Alebrije Masks
Sunday, Sept. 15 • 2:30 p.m. • Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
Create your rabbit alebrije mask inspired by the vibrant Mexican folk art of alebrijes.

Latino Heritage Month Pins and Buttons
Tuesday, Sept. 17 • 3 p.m. • San Rafael Branch Library, 1240 Nithsdale Rd.
Unleash your creativity and design your own pins and buttons to showcase your unique flair! Come together for a day of cultural celebration, artistic expression and community spirit. Don't miss out on this vibrant event!

DIY Nicho
Saturday, Sept. 21 • 2:30 p.m. • Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd.
Decorate your own nicho, a handmade shadowbox that displays photographs, drawings, prints or even small sculptures. For ages 12+.
Pasadena Grows: Edible Flowers in Latino Cultures KitMonday, Sept. 23 • While supplies last
Bring the wonders of the garden into your home cocina with a kit filled with seeds and information about the edible flowers and herbs of Latino cultures. Reserve a kit at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/Calendar/. Kits can be picked up at Hill Avenue Branch Library. For ages 13+.

Alebrije CraftSaturday, Oct. 12 • 2:30 p.m. • Santa Catalina Branch Library. 999 E. Washington Blvd.
Celebrate Latino Heritage Month by making a unique alebrije. Alebrijes are brightly-colored fantastical creatures from Mexico usually made out of paper mâché or wood. Join us to craft your own out of recycled materials.

Paint and Aguas Frescas*
Saturday, Oct. 12, 12 - 3 p.m. - Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St.
Join us for Paint and Aguas Frescas! Participants will have the opportunity to create their very own painting while enjoying a tasty cantarito of agua fresca! All supplies will be provided.
*Registration is required in-person at Villa Parke CC. Registration will begin Monday, September 23 at 8 AM for Pasadena residents and Monday, September 30 at 8 a.m. for non-residents. For ages 18+.

Pan Dulce "Concha" Workshop*
Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. - Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St.
Conchas are traditional sweet breads made of a fluffy, buttery, brioche-like soft dough, flavored with cinnamon and topped with a sugar paste which resembles a seashell. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the basics of making these delicious treats and have the opportunity to take home and share their creations with family and friends. All supplies will be provided.
*Registration is required in-person at Villa Parke CC. Registration will begin Monday, September 23 at 8 AM for Pasadena residents and Monday, September 30 at 8 a.m. for non-residents. For ages 16+.

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