Mexican Independence Day in Los Angeles

Events for Mexican and other Latino Independence Day and Hispanic Heritage in LA

Mexican Independence Day is not Cinco de Mayo, as most Americans believe; it is the 16th of September or Dieciseis de Septiembre. Five other Hispanic countries, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, celebrate their independence on September 15, and September is also Latino Heritage Month, so there are plenty of reasons to celebrate all things Latino in LA in September. Here are some ways to join the party.

Latino Stage Productions

Latino Theater Company will be offering multiple productions in September including Mujeres Soñaron Caballos, Ruby, Tragically Rotund, Cartas Al Pie de Un Arbol and the original work Solitude.
When: Through September
Where: Los Angeles Theater Center, 514 S Spring St, Los Angeles CA 90013
Cost: $15-$35, find discount tickets at Goldstar.com
Info: thelatc.org

Mexican Independence Parade in East LA

When: Sept 6, 2009
Where: Along Cesar Chavez Ave from Lorena to Mednik in East Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Info: www.allaccess.la/parade/parade.html

Fiestas Patrias California on Olvera Street at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument.

The annual celebration of Mexican Independence Day includes live music, dancing, carnival games and rides and exhibit booths.
When: Sept 12-13, 2009, Sat 10 am - 10 pm, Sun 10 am - 9 pm
Where: Olvera Street Plaza, El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, Downtown LA
Cost: Free
Metro: Red Line to Union Station
Info: www.allaccess.la/fpc/

Latin American Parade & Festival in Long Beach

Latin food from various countries, art exhibits, vendor booths, salsa dance performances and lessons, live music and exhibitions for the whole family.
When: Sat Sept 12, 2009, parade at 3 pm, festival 4-10 pm
Where: Parade begins at 6th and Pine Ave in Downtown Long Beach and ends with festival at 1st and Elm.
Cost: Free
Info: http://dlba.org/residents/LatinAmericanParadeFestival

Aquarium of the Pacific Baja Splash Cultural Festival

The Aquarium’s festival celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month and features dance & music performances, bilingual environmental programs, arts & crafts, and more.
When: Sat-Sun Sept 12-13, 9 am - 5 pm
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: $23.95 Adult, $20.95 Senior (62+), $11.95 Child (3-11), Coupon for Free Child Admission with Paid Adult
Info: www.aquariumofpacific.org, (562) 590-3100

Target Feria de la Familia (Family Festival)

Festival highlights include musical and dance performances, youth art activities, storytelling, and mural making.
When: Sunday, Sept 20, 12 noon to 6 pm
Where: Plaza de la Raza, 3540 N. Mission Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90031 (off the 5 Freeway one mile north of Downtown’s Brewery Arts Complex)
Cost: Free
Parking: Streets and at nearby parking lots of DMV and LAC-USC Hospital.
Metro: Metro bus routes 78, 79 and 378
Info: (323) 223-2475 - www.plazadelaraza.org