For over 50 years, Latino 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, our city is a city of diverse cultures, with Latino influence and heritage stitched into the fabric of our identity.
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].
Events:
September 15 – The Mexican Consulate and Entravision Mexican Independence are hosting the “El Grito” de México en San Diego. Wave FC will be present at the event in Little Italy from 5-9 pm, so stop by our booth and celebrate with live performances by LM Show Tributo a “El Sol de México” Banda Reyna de San Diego, Ballet Folklórico Calistlan, Mariachi Atulense de San Diego, and various food vendors.
September 16 – Join the annual festivities at the Old Town San Diego Fiestas Patrias starting at 10am on Saturday. Celebrate Mexican Independence Day in Old Town San Diego at Old Town State Historic Park while commemorating and experiencing the rich and diverse culture of Mexico and California.
September 16 – North County Mexican Independence Day event will take place from 2-4pm at the North County Mall. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as we bring you an array of captivating activities and entertainment.
September 25 – Latina Democratic Club Hispanic Heritage Event. Join the Latina Democratic Club for a lively mixer celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s theme is Prosperity, Power, and Progress; honoring Latina contributions driving prosperity, power, and progress across our binational region.
October 7 – Celebrate the one year anniversary of the Chicano Park Museum along with the debut of their new exhibit!
October 14 – Join the All of Us Festival, a cultural festival full of music, dance, entertainment for the entire family, and where free health services will be available, over at Monarch School’s Center for the Arts from 10am-4pm.
October 23 – Head over to the Better Business Bureau from 6-8pm, to ignite connections and celebrate Latino heritage at their Hispanic Heritage Small Business Community Mixer!
Businesses:
One of the easiest ways to celebrate is to eat, shop, or buy from a Latino-owned business.
Artelexia – Wave FC recently visited this cozy Mexican gift shop delivering handmade jewelry, art & more, plus weekly craft classes.
Barrio Donas – Located in Clairemont, San Diego, Barrio Donas represents the multilayered cultural experience that comes with living in San Diego while emphasizing the radiante beauty of Mexican-American culture – in the form of a donut. Wave FC will be visiting this stop in our next Community Pop-In in Clairemont Mesa this Thursday.
Casa XoVi – You can find unique gifts including hand-painted hats, embroidered tabletops, jewelry, home décor, and apparel. Owner Xochitl Villareal personally handpicks all pieces from Mexico and South America.
Combine and Create – Vanessa Alcaraz hand forges her jewelry in Barrio Logan. Her pieces incorporate gemstones like pink quartz and tiger’s eyes, as well as antique beads and coins.
Dia Del Café – Wave FC recently visited this this North Park Dia de Los Muertos themed coffeeshop. Mexican inspired hot and iced drinks along with all teas and coffees are served here. All ingredients are organic and fair-trade sourced.
Havana Grill – Wave FC visited this tasty, authentic Cuban Cuisine and is 100% player approved!
Hola Swim – Two lifelong friends, Aida Soria and Syncletica Maestas, founded this swimsuit company on a whim. Their collections are entirely designed and produced in San Diego. Each piece is inspired by their Hispanic roots and named after a friend.
MMM…Cakes – Enjoy these homemade and delicious cakes made by Chula Vista native himself, Jose Barajas.
Panaderia La Buena – An old school, traditional, family owned bakery showcasing authentic pan dulce, cookies, cakes and other sweet treats from the heart of Mexico.
Panchita’s Bakery – A traditional panadería with over 160 varieties of breads, pastries, cookies and desserts as well as cakes.
Check out some of these lists highlighting a number of businesses across San Diego County:
Tacos El Gallo,
Taquería Los Chuchys
El Cacho Fish Taco Stand
Mujeres Brewhouse
Tuetano Taqueria,
El Salvador Pupuseria Y Restaurante
Los Panchos Taco Shop
Los Taquitos Taco Shop
Por Vida
Plantology
Additionally, here are links to pages that have compiled large lists of business to explore and consider visiting:
Education and Organizations:
The Chicano Federation – 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.
Barrio Logan College Institute – Barrio Logan College Institute’s main priority is to positively impact the lives of San Diego youth and the trajectory of their futures.
Border Philanthropy Partnership – The Border Philanthropy Partnership serves as the leading binational organization focused on building prosperity along the U.S.-Mexico Border region through leadership, collaboration, and philanthropy.
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.
