A Month of Culture, Pride and Celebration
A Month of Culture, Pride and CelebrationFrom Sept. 15 – the anniversary of Mexican independence – to Oct. 15, the City of Los Angeles celebrated Latino Heritage Month. It was a time for culture, celebration and recognition of significant achievement.
The annual celebration is part of Latino Heritage Month, observed nationally.
On Sept. 10, Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, Cultural Affairs and community members gathered at City Hall to highlight the array of events taking place for Latino Heritage Month. Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea was honored. Many Councilmembers were in attendance.
Below are some of the events journaled by Alive! (Feel free to send in photos of your own department celebrations.)
Cultural Affairs
Cultural Affairs produced a comprehensive and beautiful cultural guide to the many events and happenings for this year’s Latino Heritage Festival.
In addition, Cultural Affairs curated the Fiesta del Pueblo art exhibit at City Hall’s Henry P. Rio Bridge Gallery. The exhibit featured artwork from Latino and Chicano artists in the Los Angeles area and curated with help from the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture. This year’s theme and celebration highlighted the working people, indigenous peoples, women, and organizers who have been such an integral part of the revolutionary spirit of Latinx culture and history – both in LA and around the world.
Mayor’s Office
On Oct. 10, the Mayor’s Office celebrated Latino Heritage Month at City Hall. The mayor honored several dignitaries, including actor/businessman Danny Trejo; Jocelyn Duarte, Executive Director of the Salvadoran American Leadership Education Fund (SALEF); and Eduard Atuesta, Colombian professional soccer player and midfielder for the Los Angeles Football Club (FC). The event was co-hosted by KTLA’s Megan Telles.
Library
The Los Angeles Public Library hosted the Los Angeles Libros Festival Sept. 28 at Central Library. The sixth annual festival offered a full day of entertainment featuring Spanish-language and bilingual storytelling, musical performances, authors, workshops, books, and community.
Airports
Airports hosted its first Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at LAX Oct. 9. Eduardo Garcia, Manager, HR Strategy, Technology and Performance, hosted. He introduced Airports CEO John Ackerman and the Board of Airport Commissioners.
Also, Airports programmed entertainment for the festive month inside the terminals, including LA-based DJ Xica Soul.
LAFD
In honor of Latino Heritage Month, LAFD Firefighter David Ortiz shared his personal story: from growing up in East LA, to his career in the Fire Department. He spoke to ITA’s Channel 35.
LADWP
The LADWP highlighted the recent appointment of CEO and General Manager Janisse Quiñones. She is the first Hispanic woman to lead the utility.
LAPD
As part of Latino Heritage Month, the LAPD honored Officer Mariel Melkonian. Melkonian reflected on growing up in Simi Valley, having her mom as her inspiration, and helping other women consider working in law enforcement.
Citywide: El Grito
In collaboration with the City of Los Angeles, Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez served as the Chair and “Padrino” (Godfather) of this year’s Latino Heritage Month and host of El Grito, the block party celebrating Mexican Independence Day Sept. 15. The free event featured live music, drinks, food and family activities at Gloria Molina Grand Park in front of City Hall.
This year’s theme for El Grito was “La Fiesta del Pueblo” (The People’s Festival) – a celebration of the working people, indigenous communities, women, and organizers who are such an integral part of the cultural identity of Los Angeles, and of the revolutionary history of the Mexican people.
Airport Police
Airport Police highlighted the mural Into the Blue, affixed outside its headquarters building. The mural was created by Chilean-American artist Francisco Letelier and Marybeth Fama.
Zoo
For the fourth consecutive year, the LA Zoo created its its Beloved Pets Ofrenda in observance of National Hispanic Month and Día de Los Muertos.
The ofrenda was co-presented with Plaza de la Raza Cultural Center for Arts and Education.
The ofrenda, which means “offering” in Spanish, was designed to honor the memory of cherished animal companions that have passed away. Zoo guests were welcome to print photos or draw pictures of their pets and place their images and mementos on the ofrenda – located at the Zoo’s Front Entrance Plaza near Sea Life Cliffs through early November.
