SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — September marks Hispanic Heritage Month and San Diegans are invited to celebrate across town at several events.
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 every year, commemorating the histories and contributions from Hispanic cultures.
Americans began observing the holiday in 1968 as one week under President Lyndon Johnson, before President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a month in 1988. Sept. 15 is significant because it's recognized as the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Mexico and Chile celebrate their Independence Days on Sept. 16 and 18, respectively.
Here are several local ways you can enjoy the holiday:
Fiestas Patrias Celebration
When: Sept. 14; Where: Old Town State Historic Park; Cost: Free
Head out to Old Town to help commemorate Mexico's Independence Day, with the ringing of the historic Casa de Estudillo bell, historic and traditional music and dancing, crafts, games, demonstrations, and more that takes visitors back in time to Old Town's early years.
Fiesta de Independencia
When: Sept. 14 - 15; Where: Thorn Brewing; Cost: Free - $45
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day at Thorn Brewing, where two days of live music, artists, arts and crafts vendors, delicious BBQ, and craft beer is planned to commemorate the holiday.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
When: Sept. 14; Where: Otay Ranch Town Center; Cost: Free
Enjoy Hispanic Heritage Month with a free concert by Bulevar Descarga, cultural performances, food vendors, photo booth, crafts, and more at Otay Ranch Town Center.
Old Town Beer Festival
When: Sept. 14; Where: Heritage Park, Old Town; Cost: $25
The Old Town community is holding its first beer festival, filled with tastes of brews from 16 local breweries, of course, surrounded by delicious cuisine across Old Town, historical opportunities around the park, and more history dating back to some of San Diego's first residents.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
When: Sept. 21; Where: Gateway Shopping Center, Barnes and Noble (Escondido); Cost: Free
Enjoy family activities, storytelling, arts and crafts, and giveaways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Barnes and Noble. TEDx speaker Dr. Mariana Díaz-Wionczek will also provide parents with tips for raising bilingual kids today.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
When: Sept. 22; Where: Otay Ranch Town Center, Barnes and Noble (Chula Vista); Cost: Free
Enjoy family activities, storytelling, arts and crafts, and giveaways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Barnes and Noble. TEDx speaker Dr. Mariana Díaz-Wionczek will also provide parents with tips for raising bilingual kids today.
San Diego Cabrillo Festival
When: Sept. 28; Where: Naval Base Point Loma; Cost: Free
Celebrate Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's historic landing in San Diego with a free festival, packed with educational activities, cultural demonstrations, folkloric performances, delicious Latin American foods, and arts and crafts vendors.
Dia De Los Muertos Veils and Coronas Workshop
When: Sept. 28; Where: Border X Brewery, Barrio Logan; Cost: $30
Get ready for Dia De Los Muertos by creating your very own Corona headpiece and lace veil to celebrate the holiday. Tickets get guests supplies for their creation and a drink at the brewery.
Latin American Art Fair
When: Oct. 12 - 13; Where: Bread & Salt, Barrio Logan; Cost: Free
The Latin American Art Fair will feature Latin cuisine, craft Mexican beer, wines, and a variety of live music and performance entertainment, and tons of art from Latin American artists and galleries.
