¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! For over 50 years, Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated in the United States from September 15 – October 15. The start date of September 15 marks the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.
Here in San Diego, Latino influence and heritage is stitched into the fabric of our identity, and we celebrate this culture 365 days a year.
We encourage all Wave FC fans to join us in celebrating this month through activism, education, and lifting all voices. Below is a list of resources and events to consider supporting. If there are additional organizations and/or resources we should provide our platform to, please send your suggestions to [email protected].
This year, in partnership with local artist Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski from Sew Loka, we’re auctioning off a one-of-a-kind Wave FC jacket made with reclaimed materials to benefit our community partner Chicano Federation. Place your bid here or purchase items from the connected merch capsule here.
And be sure to join us on Friday, September 26 when we host Noche Latina, presented by Jameson, at Snapdragon Stadium. The evening will feature pre-match “El Remate de Noche Latina” with themed music, food, and activities.
Events
September 16 & 30 – Salsa Under the Stars
Dance the night away with the Manny Cepeda Orchestra Quartet, playing high-energy salsa and Latin jazz from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The town center’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration takes place on September 30, with music, cultural performances, and community fun for all ages.
September 19 – San Diego Latino Professionals Hispanic Heritage Celebration Mixer
Celebrate the richness of Hispanic culture with an exclusive night of networking, music, and rooftop vibes in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. Whether you are a seasoned leader or a rising professional, this is your chance to connect with San Diego’s Latino community, build meaningful relationships, and support a group dedicated to empowerment and unity.
September 20 – House of Mexico Celebration
A free, family-friendly fiesta from 11am–3:30pm featuring crafts, storytelling, live performances, and cultural exhibits. Hosted in the beautifully restored International Cottages, the celebration highlights the richness of Mexican traditions while inviting guests to experience a multicultural program in the heart of Balboa Park.
October 4 – Mount Hope Neighborhood Group Celebration
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the Mount Hope community with a day filled with face-painting, music, and crafts. This free, family-centered event runs from 10am–2pm, bringing neighbors together in a vibrant display of culture and creativity.
October 11 – Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center Anniversary
Join the Chicago Park Museum and Cultural Center to celebrate its third anniversary, with special events coming up. Chicano Park is home to over 100 Chicano murals, making it the largest collection of its kind in the world.
Businesses:
Angélica B Beauty (South Park)
Founded by Angélica Barragán, this wellness space offers body treatments, facials, and massages while empowering women through connection and self-care.
Cafecito on Palm (Imperial Beach)
A community café owned by Angel De Anda and Crystal Ruiz, known for creative drinks like the “Pumchata” and Mexican Mocha. A cozy spot with a side garden perfect for enjoying your cafecito.
Combine and Create (Barrio Logan)
Jewelry maker Vanessa Alcaraz creates hand-forged pieces inspired by gemstones and antique beads. Her studio is open to the public, offering a glimpse into her creative process.
Día Del Café (Normal Heights)
A Mexican-inspired coffee shop serving signature drinks like the La Muerte latte with activated charcoal and a cold brew horchata. Pair your drink with paninis or pastries for a full experience.
El Salvador Pupusería y Restaurante (City Heights)
Known for authentic pupusas stuffed with cheese, shrimp, pork, and more, they always serve them with curtido and tomato sauce. A local go-to for Salvadoran comfort food.
Puesto (Downtown, La Jolla, Mission Valley)
A San Diego staple serving innovative takes on tacos, all built on handmade blue-corn tortillas. Popular with locals and visitors alike, Puesto pairs its food with an award-winning craft bar program.
Sew Loka (Barrio Logan)
Chicana fashion designer Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski sews one-of-a-kind clothing & accessories using reclaimed fabrics. Her work in partnership with Wave FC inspired this year’s Noche Latina merch collection.
Tacos de De Cabeza El Único (Chula Vista)
A hidden gem offering an incredibly unique taco experience with flavorful and tender meats, Tacos de De Cabeza El Único is the perfect place to enjoy authentic tacos in Chula Vista.
Education and Organizations:
One of our original community partners, Chicano Federation is a local organization whose mission is to invest in under-resourced communities in San Diego. When you shop our 2023 Wave FC Latino Heritage merch, a portion of net proceeds will benefit The Chicano Federation in helping them continue to provide opportunities for all San Diegans in need.
A nonprofit cultural arts center showcasing Chicano, Mexicano, Native American, and Latino art. The space hosts exhibitions, live performances, and workshops for the community.
Casa de Amistad is a grassroots non-profit organization grounded in the heart of the North County San Diego community. Their welcoming neighborhood campus offers a safe and inclusive place for learning, where we meet academic and mentoring needs for our community’s families. They help students by providing ongoing educational support, opportunities and experiences that place them on a path to a bright and positive future.
This cultural art center is dedicated to creating, promoting, preserving and educating about Chicano, Mexican, Indigenous and Latino art and culture. The nonprofit organization is housed in a former Balboa Park water tower draped with bright murals. The Centro Cultural de la Raza provides classes, arts and crafts, and artistic presentations that support and encourage the creative expression of indigenous cultures. Special outdoor vendor exhibits can be enjoyed on selected weekends.
Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center
The CPMCC has served as an educational and cultural hub by providing resources, programming, and care to the community since its inception in 2015. Right outside is Chicano Park, home to the largest concentration of Chicano murals in the world, with more than 100 paintings on seven acres dotted with sculpture, gardens, picnic tables and playgrounds.
Hispanic Wealth Project
HWP is committed to fostering an ecosystem for Hispanic household wealth creation by empowering Latinos to fully participate and prosper in the U.S. economy through actionable initiatives in sustainable homeownership, small business development and financial education.
MANA de San Diego
MANA de San Diego transforms communities by empowering Latinas to achieve upward mobility and a better quality of life.
National Latina Business Women’s Association
NLBWA aims to empower Latinas to grow their business and achieve their professional goals through research, education, collaboration, and strategic alliances.
