Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea performed at City Hall on Sept. 10 to raise awareness about Latino Heritage Month festivities. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Los Angeles will come alive with music, food, art and culture during the city’s annual Latino Heritage Month celebration from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

The festivities kick off with the annual festival of El Grito de Dolores – a celebration of Mexican Independence – on Sept. 15 from 5-10:30 p.m. on the Spring Street steps of Los Angeles City Hall and in Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave. The event will be hosted by this year’s “Padrino,” or “Godfather” – City Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez, 13th District – who encouraged people from all backgrounds to participate in the festivities and enjoy the rich history and traditions of Latin America.

“As the son of Mexican immigrants from Zacatecas who worked as street vendors when they came to Los Angeles, it’s a special honor to host this year’s Latino Heritage Month celebrations in the city of Los Angeles,” Soto-Martinez said. “They came here in the late ‘70s to try to have a better life for themselves, and they ended up having six kids and putting us on a trajectory that forever transformed our lives. I’m very happy to be where I am today because of them.”

Soto-Martinez announced the Latino heritage Month Festivities at a press conference on Sept. 10 at Los Angeles City Hall, where he was joined by the all-female mariachi group Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea. He presented a proclamation and declared Mariachi Divas Day in honor of the Grammy Award-winning group, which is among the performers at the “El Grito” celebration. The festivities on Sept. 15 will also include musical performances by Julian Torres, Lorenzo Mendez and El Dasa, as well as food and unique artisanal products from street vendors, through a collaboration with Community Power Collective.

“Celebrating our 25th anniversary, Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea is thrilled to be recognized by the city of Los Angeles,” Shea said. “The city’s declaration of Mariachi Divas Day is a great honor and privilege, and we are grateful for the support of the city and our fans.”

Soto-Martinez also announced the debut of “La Fiesta del Pueblo,” or “The People’s Festival,” a Latino Heritage Month art exhibition open to the public through Sept. 30 on the Henry P. Rio Bridge Gallery at City Hall. Art from the collections of Cheech Marin and the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture in Riverside will be on display along with works by Chicano and Latino artists from the Los Angeles area.

“We are honored to contribute to Latino Heritage Month by showcasing the profound artwork from our collections to the ‘La Fiesta del Pueblo’ exhibition,” said Maria Esther Fernández, artistic director of the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture. “It’s a privilege to have this platform in Los Angeles during such an important cultural moment.”

“Los Angeles boasts one of the most diverse Latino communities in the country,” said Daniel Tarica, general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. “This year, the Department of Cultural Affairs continues the city’s tradition by presenting the 2024 heritage month calendar and cultural guide that celebrates the outstanding intellect, talent, creativity and accomplishments of the Latino community, including artists, performers, poets, writers, actors, designers and professionals here in Los Angeles.”

For information about the city’s Latino Heritage Month events, visit cd13.lacity.gov, culture.lacity.gov/programs-and-initiatives/la-hm and discoverlosangeles.com.

Los Angeles County is also celebrating Latino Heritage Month. Board Chair Lindsey Horvath, 3rd District, is partnering with Plaza Del Valle, Plaza Comunitaria Sinaloa and Labor Community Services to host Ritmo y Celebración – a free community event on Sept. 15 from 1-6 p.m. at Plaza Del Valle, 8610 Van Nuys Blvd. in Panorama City. The celebration will include music, performances and fun activities. Horvath and U.S. Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-Pacoima) will speak at 3:45 p.m. For information, visit lindseyhorvath.lacounty.gov.

Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez encouraged the public to take part in the Latino Heritage Month festivities, which run from Sept. 15-Oct. 15. (photo by Edwin Folven)