Pasadena’s Latino Heritage Month events start this weekend

Pasadena is commemorating National Latino Heritage Month with a monthlong roster of special events that got started this weekend.

The series of events celebrates the histories, cultures and social contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Central and South America, the Caribbean and Mexico.

Fiestas Patrias began the celebration on Friday at Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St., where attendees celebrated the independence of 18 Latin American countries. The event highlighted “the colors, richness and warmth of Latin American culture” and included live music and cultural dances performed by local community organizations, according to a city statement.

A number of other free events, crafts workshops, “storytimes,” book discussions and other activities for all ages area also slated for Latino Heritage Month, also called Hispanic Heritage Month, which traditionally takes place each year in the United States from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

“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,” according to the city statement. “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.”

A list of Latino Heritage Month programs is at CityOfPasadena.net/Library or CityOfPasadena.net/Parks-And-Rec. The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library. sponsored the library programming.

These events are scheduled:

Latino Heritage Month Preschool Storytime
Sept. 25, 10:30 a.m. at Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd. This event for ages 3-5 and their caregivers features Latino authors and stories with the option to stay and make a colorful craft afterward.

INCA, the Peruvian Ensemble
Sept. 25, 4 p.m. at La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave.
“Experience Peru’s amazing and diverse musical heritage!” city officials said. The ensemble will perform Andean-style music of the native Incas, as well as music from the Hispanic communities of the coastal areas, known as the Criollo style, and the Black people from the villages south of Lima, or Afro-Peruvian style. The instrumentation unique to these areas includes woodwinds, strings, percussion and vocals.

Movie Night – “A Million Miles Away”
Sept. 27,  7 p.m. at Madison Elementary School, 515 E. Ashtabula St.
This event is an outdoor screening of “A Million Miles Away,” which traces José Hernandez’s 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,” city officials said.

Fiesta La Pintoresca
Oct. 2, 4 p.m. at La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave.
Cultural stories, crafts, music and “much more,” according to the city.

Latino Heritage Parade and Festival
Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the parade route and Pasadena City Hall — Local schools, community groups, elected officials, dignitaries, neighbors and friends were expected 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 is set for noon to 4 p.m. The event is sponsored by the city and the Pasadena Latino Heritage Committee.

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

Community Ofrenda
Oct. 21-Nov. 4, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd. Eventgoers have the opportunity to place photos, messages or other mementos on a community “ofrenda,” or altar.

Día de los Muertos
Nov. 1, 5 to 9 p.m. at Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St. The community will gather at Villa Parke Community Center to celebrate Día de Los Muertos, or 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,” officials said.

Latino-owned Businesses Spotlight Series
Monthlong series  on social media — Pasadena public affairs officials spotlight Latino-owned businesses in Pasadena via Facebook and Instagram, @CityOfPasadena, and X formerly Twitter, @PasadenaGov.

Crafts — For all ages unless specified.

Take & Make: Decorate a Paleta
Sunday, Sept. 15 while supplies last at Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd. A “paleta” is a frozen treat akin to a popsicle that is popular in many Latin American countries and Latino communities in the U.S. “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!” officials said. One kit per person is the limit — “for multiple people, fill out multiple forms,” officials said. To reserve a kit, go to CityOfPasadena.Libwizard.com/f/Paleta. Kits are available for pick up at Hastings Branch Library.

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

Latino Heritage Month Pins and Buttons
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 3 p.m. at San Rafael Branch Library, 1240 Nithsdale Road —
“Unleash your creativity and design your own pins and buttons to showcase your unique flair!” officials said “Come together for a day of cultural celebration, artistic expression and community spirit.”

DIY Nicho
Sept. 21, 2:30 p.m. at Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd.
Each attendee ages 12 or older can decorate a nicho, which is a handmade shadowbox for displaying photographs, drawings, prints and small sculptures.

Pasadena Grows: Edible Flowers in Latino Cultures Kit
Sept. 23 while supplies last at Hill Avenue Branch Library, 55 S. Hill Ave. “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,” officials said. Reserve a kit for participants age 13 and up online at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/Calendar for pick up at Hill Avenue Branch Library.  

Alebrije Craft
Oct. 12, 2:30 p.m. at Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd.
Alebrijes are brightly-colored mythical creatures from Mexican culture that are usually made out of papier mâché or wood. Participants have the opportunity to build alebrijes from recycled materials.

Paint and Aguas Frescas
Oct. 12, 12-3 p.m. at Villa Parke Community Center, 363 E. Villa St. Participants 18 or older will create paintings while enjoying cantaritos of agua fresca. All supplies will be provided, and registration is required in-person at the community center. Registration is set to begin Sept. 23 at 8 a.m. for Pasadena residents and Sept. 30 at 8 a.m. for nonresidents.

Pan Dulce “Concha” Workshop
Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 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,” officials said. “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, and registration is required in-person for participants 16 or older beginning Sept. 23 at 8 a.m. for Pasadena residents and Sept. 30 at 8 a.m. for nonresidents. 

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