Masks (Photo – Pasadena Library)
Celebrate National Latino Heritage Month in Pasadena with a series of exciting and free events, including arts and crafts, storytimes, book discussions, and much more.
By Katlyn Ong
Running from September 15 to October 15, Latino Heritage Month honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Latinos in the United States, particularly those with roots in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
A Month of Celebration
Latino Heritage Month is an opportunity to acknowledge the significant impact Latinos have had on American society, from politics and education to the arts and economy. The celebration kicks off on September 15, a pivotal date marking the independence of several Latin American nations, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their Independence Days in September, further enriching the month’s festivities.
Events Across Pasadena
Pasadena is honoring the vibrant Latino culture with a variety of citywide programs. The events showcase the diversity and richness of Latin American traditions and offer something for every age group, reaffirming the city’s commitment to being welcoming and inclusive.
Latino Heritage Festival
- Saturday, October 11, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Pasadena City Hall (100 Garfield Ave.)
This highly anticipated annual event brings together local schools, community groups, and elected officials for a lively evening of music, food, and cultural performances. The festival will be hosted in front of Pasadena City Hall and is sponsored by the City of Pasadena and the Pasadena Latino Heritage Committee.
Fiestas Patrias
- Friday, September 19, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Villa Parke Community Center (363 E. Villa St.)
Celebrate the independence of 18 Latin American countries at this vibrant, family-friendly event featuring live music, traditional dances, and the warm spirit of Latin American culture.
Movie Night: Elio
- Friday, September 26, 7:00 pm, Madison Elementary School (515 E. Ashtabula St.)
Gather for a free screening of Disney Pixar’s Elio, a heartwarming and humorous story about an 11-year-old boy mistaken for Earth’s ambassador by aliens. Free popcorn will be provided, making it a perfect family outing.
Hispanic Fusion Architecture
- Saturday, September 27, 3:00 pm, Lamanda Park Branch Library (140 S. Altadena Dr.)
Explore the unique blend of Moorish, Italian Renaissance, and Spanish Baroque styles that shaped Pasadena’s architectural landscape in the early 20th century with Dave Nufer, a renowned local historian.
Workshops and Crafting Fun
Several interactive workshops will also take place throughout the month for both children and adults.
Mini Terra Cotta Pot Painting
- Monday, September 15, 3:00 pm, San Rafael Branch Library (1240 Nithsdale Rd.)
Let your creativity flow in this fun, hands-on workshop for children ages 5-12, where they can paint mini terra cotta pots in celebration of Latino culture.
Pan Dulce “Concha” Workshop
- Saturday, October 4, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, Villa Parke Community Center (363 E. Villa St.)
Get a taste of tradition with a hands-on workshop where participants will learn how to make the beloved Mexican concha bread, a sweet treat with a rich cultural history. All supplies will be provided, but preregistration is required.
Paint and Aguas Frescas
- Saturday, October 11, Noon – 2:00 pm, Villa Parke Community Center (363 E. Villa St.)
Create your own masterpiece while sipping on a refreshing agua fresca at this fun, creative afternoon event. Preregistration is required.
Special Performances
Pasadena will also host some incredible live performances that highlight the musical and cultural diversity of Latin America.
INCA, the Peruvian Ensemble
- Wednesday, October 8, 4:30 pm., La Pintoresca Branch Library (1355 N. Raymond Ave.)
Experience the sounds of Peru with this ensemble featuring native Andean music, Afro-Peruvian rhythms, and Criollo tunes. This is a unique opportunity to dive into Peru’s rich musical heritage.
Sacred Hands: Flower Making & Storytelling
- Sunday, October 5, 2:00 – 4:00 pm, Hastings Branch Library (3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.)
In honor of Día de los Muertos, join the community to craft cempasuchil (Mexican marigold) flowers while sharing personal stories in a celebration of both life and remembrance.
The Soldaderas: Powerful Women of the Mexican Revolution
- Saturday, October 18, 3:00 pm, Lamanda Park Branch Library (140 S. Altadena Dr.)
Dr. Gloria Arjona brings to light the untold stories of the soldaderas—women who defied societal expectations to participate in the Mexican Revolution as soldiers, spies, nurses, and strategists.
Celebrating Día de los Muertos
The holiday of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) will also be honored with a series of events leading up to October 24, when a large celebration will take place at Villa Parke Community Center from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will feature dance performances, arts and crafts, food, and ofrendas (altars) to honor the lives of loved ones who have passed.
Community Ofrendas
- October 12 – November 2, Hastings Branch Library (3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.)
Place photos or mementos on the library’s community ofrendas to celebrate the lives of your loved ones. This is a beautiful way to connect with others in the community and honor shared heritage.
Discover More
These events and programs provide just a glimpse of the many ways Pasadena is celebrating Latino Heritage Month. For a complete list of activities and to learn more, visit CityOfPasadena.net/Library