Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15, 2024, and there’s no better place to celebrate than Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA). This vibrant city is rich in cultural events that showcase the diverse heritage of the Latino community. Here are 10 Great Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in DTLA.
Celebrating Independence the Best Way We Know How
Featured photo courtesy Kevin de Leon
The 78th Annual East LA Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival truly marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. Although it’s in East Los Angeles, it’s just a few stops away via the Metro Connector, making the festivities easily accessible to Downtown LA.
Iconic Mexican wrestler/Mexican political activist ‘El Hijo del Santo’ is Grand Marshal of this year’s celebration of music, entertainment, food, and fun for the whole family. At 1.5 miles, the parade is the longest running and largest of its kind in the country, with festivities taking place on Mednik Avenue, between E. César E. Chávez Avenue and First Street annually.
Cry with Delores at El Grito Celebration
Kicking off DTLA celebrations in Downtown LA is El Grito de Dolores on September 15, presented by Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez and the City of Los Angeles. El Grito de Dolores: Annual Celebration of Mexican Independence Day commemorates Mexico’s independence and highlights the cultural contributions of the Latino community in Los Angeles.
Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez fresh from previous cultural event in July in his district that includes Echo Park
This year’s theme is “La Fiesta del Pueblo” (The People’s Festival), which celebrates working people, indigenous communities, and women with delicious food and artisanal products from local street vendors, along with family-friendly activities.
The event features live music with performances by El Dasa, Lorenzo Mendez, Mariachi Divas, and Julian Torres, along with a rendition of the U.S. National Anthem by Janet Uribe with stage set up on the steps of city hall facing grand park from 5 PM to midnight. www.grandparkla.org
Fill Up on Pop Corn During the 26th Annual Hola México Film Festival
Casi el Paraíso – Photo courtesy of Hola Mexican Film Festival
For film enthusiasts, the Hola México Film Festival, runs from September 20 to 27. This festival is the largest Mexican film festival outside of Mexico and features 20+ films and 20 short films from its filmmaker-focused program Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today. The film festival strives to highlight the best and brightest talents in Mexican cinematography, spanning comedies, dramas, horror films, and documentaries.
Opening night begins with a red carpet and select screening and fiesta at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, contrary to past opening nights held at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes across from Olvera Street on September 20th. However, the week continues with screenings at Downtown’s Regal Theater at LA Live, with closing ceremonies back at the LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes on September 27th.
Sponsors of the film festival include DCA (Department of Cultural Affairs, Los Angeles), KCRW, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, McDonald’s, Maison Perrier, and presenting sponsor the 2025 Toyota Camry. www.holamexicoff.com
Singing with Selena at ASU Movie Night
On September 21, The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts invites you to an open house at ASU California Center.
Attendees can also explore the ASU FIDM Museum exhibition “Fashion Statements,” meet faculty, and learn more about internships, careers, and curriculum.
In partnership with The Poitier Film School, the event will be followed by an outdoor movie screening in Grand Hope Park adjacent to the campus.
Jennifer Lopez stars as Selena – Photo Courtesy Warner Bros.
The day includes free interactive workshops led by distinguished faculty from ASU FIDM and The Sidney Poitier New American Film School, covering topics such as fashion illustration and storytelling with RSVP.
After the open house, guests may enjoy DTLA Alliance collaboration with Street Food Cinema’s ticketed $27 GA screening of Selena, which tells the true story of the “Queen of Tejano Music,” whose rise to fame captivated audiences worldwide. The evening will feature live music, food trucks, and audience games. www.asuevents.asu.edu
Sabor La Feria de los Moles
La Feria de los Moles on September 28 and 29 is coming to Gloria Molina Grand Park. Celebrating its 17th anniversary, this beloved event showcases the best of Mexican cuisine, focusing on the rich tradition of mole. Due to popular demand, this year features a second day of gastronomical celebration, allowing for even more opportunities to sample a variety of moles, including Mole Poblano, Mole Negro-Oaxaca, and many others. www.grandparkla.org
Laugh Now/Cry Later at Latino Theater in the Historic Core:
Whittier Boulevard is now playing at the Latino Theater Company. This critically acclaimed production returned with its blend of comedy, drama, music, and dance, exploring themes of ageism in a dystopian Los Angeles of 2042.
The story follows faded Chicana starlet Veronica Del Rio on the eve of her 75th birthday as she enlists help to avoid being forgotten by history. Powerful performance and theatrical magic address important social issues in this play sure to resonate with all types of audiences. www.latinotheaterco.org
A Rainbow of Latin Music in Chinatown!
On September 20th, Club Retro Boom is inviting everyone to join the fun at their “TEX-MEX vs. LATIN TRAP” Night on the 2nd Floor of the Grand Star Jazz Club in Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. All summer long, the promoters have been playing the most popular Latin hits, spinning everything from Tex-Mex, Latin Trap, plus Cumbia, Old-School Reggaeton, Regional, Rock En Español, HIP HOP, Perreo, Pop Latino, Tropical, and even Banda and Dance.
Summer may be coming to an end, but the hot FUN just won’t stop thanks to the promoters at Club Retro Boom. Doors open 9:30 PM–2 AM.
Get in the Groove during Cumbia Week
Photo courtesy Zz Records
From September 20 to 27, Cumbia Week will showcase the lively rhythms of this popular music genre through a series of concerts, film screenings, art exhibits, workshops, and panel discussions. Presented by Cumbiatón, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Misterpsychedelia, and ZZK Records, opening night hits the dance floor of the Teregram Ballroom just west of the Harbor Freeway on 7th Street. This week-long celebration highlights the rich cultural influence and evolution of Cumbia music. It aims to bring together different communities through the joy of music and dance, making it a fantastic opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of Latin America. www.zzkrecords.com/
Salsa Dancing at Union Station
More dancing? Well, okay! On September 28, Los Angeles Union Station will host an unforgettable evening of salsa dancing. Starting at 7 PM, two-steppers can join instructors Laroye Aña and Jhesus Aponte for a salsa dance lesson suitable for all skill levels.
Gabriel Gonzalez Band – Photo courtesy Union Station LA
Following the lesson, live performances by the dynamic band La Verdad, led by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Gabriel Gonzalez and backed by a band, will perform a vibrant mix of Latin American music, including salsa, Cumbia, and Latin soul, with DJ Tosstones spinning tunes between sets. This lively event will run until 10 PM. www.Unionstationla.com
Creativity Wins at LA Library
The Latino Heritage Month art exhibit is now on exhibit at the Los Angeles Public Library throughout September and October. This exhibit showcases artwork from local Latino artists, highlighting themes of identity, culture, and community. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Bringing Broadway Back!
Photos courtesy CD14
Hoping to restore the luster of downtown’s yesteryear by calling attention to the historic theaters and new retail shops on the Broadway Corridor, Councilmember Kevin de León and team are planning a multi-cultural event and has invited all of downtown and beyond to participate in Broadway Night Lights, coming Saturday, October 12th.
Following in the traditions of the Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk and the self-guided Night on Broadway tours that brought over 50,000-100,000 people to explore the iconic streets of the Historic Core, Kevin de León’s event promises to be a fresh new take and is held in conjunction with the Los Angeles Theater, Palace Theater, and Million Dollar Theater lining the Broadway corridor lined with vendors, food trucks, carnival rides, street artists, non-profit causes, and gay pride. The event is scheduled for October 12th and spans from 3rd to 8th Street. Vendors and volunteers welcome. www.broadwaynightlights.com
