National Hispanic Heritage Month, or Latino Heritage Month, is observed annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the month recognizing the influence and contributions of the Hispanic community across the country.
Pasadena is celebrating the month with several free events, crafts, story times, book discussions and activities, designed to honor the history and culture of Americans with roots in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The month-long holiday starts on Sept. 15, which coincides with the independence anniversaries of many Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate Independence Days in September.
“Celebrating Latino Heritage Month reaffirms Pasadena’s commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive city and honoring the diversity of its community. Pasadena has dedicated itself to hosting diverse events citywide to celebrate Latino culture and heritage,” the city said in a news release.”
The crux of the celebration is the Latino Heritage Festival, an annual event that falls on Oct. 11. Held at Pasadena City Hall, the event brings local schools, community groups, elected officials, dignitaries, neighbors and friends together for the celebration of Hispanic and Latino culture. This is the 27th year of the celebration.
The city will also build three community ofrendas, or home altars for Día de los Muertos, at Hastings Branch Library, Santa Catalina Branch Library and La Pintoresca Branch Library starting in October.
Alongside the festival, the city is hosting the following programs and events — learn more at cityofpasadena.net:
Mini Terra Cotta Pot Painting
SEPT. 15
Children aged 5 to 12 are invited to this mini terra cotta pot painting event.
San Rafael Branch Library, 1240 Nithsdale Road, Pasadena, free, 3 p.m.
Fiestas Patrias
SEPT. 19
The city is celebrating the independence of 18 Latin American countries through this family-friendly event, which “highlight the colors, richness and warmth of Latin American culture.” It includes live music and traditional dances performed by local community groups.
Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa Street, Pasadena, free, 5 to 9 p.m.
Movie Night (‘Elio’)
SEPT. 26
The city is hosting a free family screening of Disney and Pixar’s “Elio,” which tells the story of an 11-year-old who’s mistaken for Earth’s ambassador by aliens. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks, and free popcorn will be provided.
Madison Elementary School, 515 E. Ashtabula Street, Pasadena, free, 7 p.m.
Hispanic ‘Fusion Architecture’
Has Shaped Pasadena
SEPT. 27
Dave Nufer will offer a presentation of the evolution of Hispanic “Fusion” architecture in Pasadena. This style of architecture refers to combing elements from several cultures, fusing a mix of Moorish, Italian Renaissance and Spanish Baroque, the city said, and it was the most common building style in Pasadena during the 1920s and 1930s. The program is for ages 18 and up.
Lamanda Park Branch Library, 140 S. Altadena Drive, Pasadena, free, 3 p.m.
Pan Dulce ‘Concha’ Workshop
OCT. 4
Conchas are a traditional sweet bread made of a fluffy, buttery, brioche-like soft dough, flavored with cinnamon. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the basics of making these treats and can take home and share their creations. All supplies will be provided, and preregistration is required. Register in person at Villa Parke Community Center.
Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa Street, Pasadena, free, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ven a Celebrar!!! Come to celebrate
Latino Heritage Celebration
OCT. 4
The city is hosting an afternoon of high-energy Afro-Cuban Latin salsa with Changüí Majadero, “one of the most exciting bands on the scene.”
Linda Vista Branch Library, 1281 Bryant Street, Pasadena, free, 3 to 4 p.m.
Sacred Hands: Flower making cempasuchil (Mexican marigold) & Storytelling
OCT. 5
The Hastings Branch Library is inviting the community to make flowers for ofrendas or home altars or the library’s community ofrenda.
Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena, free, 2 to 4 p.m.
INCA, the Peruvian Ensemble
OCT. 8
Experience Peru’s musical heritage through to the music of the native Incas, the Hispanic communities of the coastal areas and the Black community from the villages south of Lima. The performance includes woodwinds, strings, percussion and vocals instrumentation unique to these areas.
La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, free, 4:30 p.m.
Paint and Aguas Fresca
OCT. 11
Participants at this event will have the opportunity to create their own painting while enjoying a cantarito of agua fresca. All supplies will be provided. Preregistration required. Register in person at Villa Parke Community Center.
Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa Street, Pasadena, free, noon to 2 p.m.
The Soldaderas, Powerful Women of the Mexican Revolution
OCT. 18
Dr. Gloria Arjona sheds light on the untold stories of the soldaderas — women who defied social norms to participate in the Mexican Revolution as soldiers, spies, nurses, and strategists — at this presentation. Blending historical photographs, storytelling, and traditional revolutionary ballads, Arjona revives the legacy of iconic figures omitted from mainstream narratives. This presentation is for people ages 13 and up.
Lamanda Park Branch Library, 140 S. Altadena Drive, Pasadena, free, 3 p.m.
Dia De Los Muertos
OCT. 24
Join friends and neighbors at Villa Parke Community Center to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The celebration, honoring a centuries-old holiday, includes dance performances, arts and crafts, food available for purchase and ofrendas.
Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa Street, Pasadena, free, 5 to 9 p.m.