What began as a week-long celebration of San Francisco’s Hispanic community in 1968 has grown into a month-long affair with mercaditos, documentaries on deportations, and lots of Frida Kahlo.
Hispanic Heritage Month started on Sept. 15 and ends on Oct. 15. Already, much has happened. So as not to miss more, Mission Local put together a calendar of events.
“This month is a reminder that celebrating our heritage is also an act of resilience and resistance,” said San Francisco’s Assessor Recorder, Joaquin Torres. “Our roots run deep, and they remind us that we belong, we contribute, and we are here to stay.”
”Hosting our Latino Heritage Month events is a vital tradition that celebrates and uplifts the countless contributions of our community to this city,” said Susana Rojas, executive director of Calle 24, a nonprofit representing Latino Cultural District on 24th Street.
“What I love about our people is that our passion and zest for life, our faith, and love for our family and our people outweighs our fears so much more,” added District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder.
“Needless to say, right now we have to be as loud and proud as we possibly can,” said District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar.
Many of the events are in the Mission. At any time, customers can play Mission Lotería, a Mexican game similar to bingo, by visiting local businesses to collect all nine stamps. Each time you visit a participating business, you get a stamp.
Saturday, Sept. 20
First-ever televised Lowrider Parade
For decades, lowriders in California were subjected to profiling, police harassment and a state law that banned the practice. Today, the culture has become so widely accepted that its reach is found in countries like Brazil and Japan.
And the San Francisco lowrider community is ready to celebrate. After taking over the Palace of Fine Arts a year ago, lowriders scored another milestone with the first-ever live televised lowrider parade in San Francisco this year.
- Lowrider Parade on Mission Street between Cesar Chavez and 17th streets from 1 to 3 p.m.
- King of the Streets: Lowrider-hopping competition at 24th and Mission streets from 3 to 5 p.m.
- Lowrider car show on Mission Street between Cesar Chavez and 18th streets from 2 to 8 p.m.
The Mission Cultural Center for the Latino Arts at 2868 Mission St. is hosting “Family Art Day” with an art workshop for kids a mercado where shoppers can get MMCL merch.
“Latine Heritage Month is not just a date on the calendar — it is an affirmation of our visibility, our pride, and the profound contributions Latinx people make every day in the United States,” said Martina Ayala, executive director of the Mission Cultural Center for the Latino Arts.
MCCLA is also hosting a Latinx Heritage Month Exhibit, featuring over 30 local visual and performance artists. The exhibit opened on Sept. 12 and runs until Oct. 11
Open House at the San Francisco Public Library
At the Noe Valley Branch of the San Francisco Public Library, attendees will have the chance to listen to bilingual Spanish/English songs with Francisco Herrera, while kids can have their faces painted by Diego Flores. Park Ranger Fatima will also give a talk on the Presidio. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 551 Jersey St.
Johny Santos and the Afro-Roots of Latin Jazz and Salsa
Santos, a Grammy-nominated percussionist and the SF JAZZ resident artistic director, explores how Blackness influences both jazz and salsa. The event runs from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Main Library at 100 Larkin St.
Gómez will teach the basics of mixed media collage-making. The event runs from 3 to 5 p.m. at the library’s Glen Park Branch at 2825 Diamond St.
Sunday, Sept. 21
Film: “Si Pudiera Quedarme” (If I Could Stay)
This 2023 documentary is about the fight for dignity and safety in the face of deportations. The event runs from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Main Library at 100 Larkin St.
The screening will be followed by a live panel composed of Lariza Dugan Cuadra, executive director of the Central American Resource Center of Northern California; Jorge Rivas, executive director of the Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs; and filmmaker Theo Rigby.
A two-hour boat cruise celebrating Frida Kahlo’s special connection to San Francisco with an art installation, live music and print-making. The boat leaves at 6:30 p.m. and will return by 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 24
This 2021 movie tells the story of a teenage farmworker who dreams of graduating high school when ICE raids her community. The event runs from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Main Library at 100 Larkin St.
Thursday, Sept. 25
El Mercadito: Music, Comida y Culture
An evening of music, food and culture with local vendors, cafe and live music. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the KQED headquarters at 2601 Mariposa St.
Sing-a-long sip ‘n’ paint with Juan Gabriel
An evening to sign along to the songs of “El Divo de Juárez” over dinner, painting and drinks. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Mission Cultural Center for the Latino Arts at 2868 Mission St.
Sunday, Sept. 28
Folklorico dances from Jalisco and Sinaloa for ages 10-18 with dancer Susana Gomez. The event runs from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the library’s North Beach Branch at 850 Columbus Ave.
Son Jarocho is traditional music from Veracruz, Mexico, played with regional instruments. The event runs from 3 to 4 p.m. at the library’s Ortega Branch at 3223 Ortega St.
The boat cruise is back for the second day celebrating Frida Kahlo. The boat leaves at 6:30 p.m. and returns by 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 1
Family Readiness Clinic for Mixed Status Families
A presentation and free clinic by the Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco for parents, especially those with U.S. citizen children, to create a plan in case of an emergency or encounter with ICE. The event runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Main Library at 100 Larkin St.
Saturday, Oct. 4
Afro-Latinx Concert with Chuchito Valdes
Valdes, a Cuban pianist and winner of seven Grammy awards, will celebrate the artistic traditions and contributions of Afro-Latinx music. The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Ruth Williams Opera House at 4705 Third St.
Sunday, Oct. 5
La Familia Peña-Costa will play children’s music that combines cumbia, ranchera and sones. The event runs from 2 to 3 p.m. at the library’s Eureka Valley Branch at 1 Jose Sarria Court.
Tuesday, Oct. 7
Children will have the opportunity to decorate sugar-skull cookies to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month. The event runs from 4 to 5 p..m at the library’s Golden Gate Valley Branch at 1801 Green St.
Wednesday, Oct. 8
Children and their caregivers will have the chance to win prizes while they play the traditional Mexican game of loteria in both English and Spanish. The event runs from 2 to 3 p.m. at the library’s Portola Branch at 380 Bacon St.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to make the traditional Chilean little piggies that are used for prosperity and gifts. The event runs from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Main Library at 100 Larkin St.
Thursday, Oct. 9
Cascada de Flores will sing a traditional tale from Latin America and the Caribbean, with songs in Spanish, English, Portuguese and Mayan K’iche’. The event runs from 3 to 4 p.m. at the library’s Marina Branch at 1890 Chestnut St.
Saturday, Oct. 11
Closing Reception for Latinx Heritage Month Exhibit
The Latinx Heritage Month Exhibit at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, which features more than 30 local visual and performance artists, will close on Oct. 11. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts at 2868 Mission St.
“At MCCLA, we honor our ancestors and carry forward our culture and traditions — our music, dance, language, and the stories preserved in our archives — do the next generation see themselves reflected and celebrated,” said the MCCLA’s executive director, Ayala. “When our culture is visible, our community is powerful. Con orgullo y con cultura!”
Union Square will feature live music, performances, and traditional dances to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A bilingual art walk in the Mission District with the theme “History Matters in the Mission, 2010-2020” with free performances and art. The event runs from 1 to 8 p.m. and starts at the Calle 24 Cultural District offices at 3250 24th St.
Sunday, Oct. 12
Palomares is a Mexican singer songwriter and social and political activist. The concert runs from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts at 2868 Mission St.
Wednesday, Oct. 15
Attendees will have the opportunity to create small ofrendas for loved ones who have passed away. Children and adults are welcome. Space is limited and requires reservations. The event runs from 4 to 5 p.m. at the library’s Portola Branch at 1616 20th St.
There was a time when nobody would have predicted that Frida Kahlo would become better known than her famous artist husband.