California Latino Heritage Month

Latino Heritage Month 2023 - Header Image

The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA), and its departments, conservancies and partners, invite you to celebrate this year’s Latino Heritage Month by participating in the many events being held virtually and in-person throughout the state from September 15 through October 15 (see list below).   

Latinos are California’s largest ethnic group, with diverse roots throughout the Americas, indigenous communities of Latin America and Africa, and beyond. Generations of Latinos have helped shape our society, economy, culture and values since our state’s beginning. The leadership, service, and vision of Latinos continues to enrich all facets of American life.  

CNRA’s theme for this year, “Latino Leaders: Shaping California and Our Futuro Together,” highlights the countless contributions of Latinos protecting natural and cultural resources and providing safe and responsible recreational opportunities.  

Engage with us. Be inspired. Spend time outdoors. Commemorate Latino Heritage Month.  

Fiestas Patrias: Celebrate Mexican Independence  

  • Description: ¡Atención y bienvenidos! Attention and welcome! Join Old Town San Diego State Historic Park in celebrating Fiestas Patrias.  Fiestas Patrias marks the beginning of Mexico’s fight for independence and is a way for us to honor, learn about, and celebrate pride in Mexican heritage, tradition, and history. Enjoy an assortment of traditional crafts, living history demonstrations, and Historic Adobe Walking Tours. Traditional Folklorico dancers from Gift of Dance will perform throughout the day.   
  • Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
  • Location: San Diego State Historic Park, 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego (92110) 
  • Registration: No registration is required.  

Tour Castro Adobe Open House  

  • Description: Discover the history of the Castro family, and their two-story adobe hacienda built 180 years ago. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon touring the Rancho San Andres State Historic Property in Watsonville CA. Learn about the Vaquero culture and life during the Mexican Rancho Period of California History. Even if you have visited before, come again to see all the brand-new exhibits and interpretive displays. Enjoy live music and docent presentations. Because this is a historic site, dogs are not permitted. 
  • Time: There are several tours throughout the day, starting at 10:30 a.m. The last one is at 2:15 p.m. Tours are 15 minutes long. 
  • Location: 184 Old Adobe Rd, Watsonville (95076)  
  • Registration: Click here to view tour availability. 

  

Career Panel: Helping Shape California with a Unique Perspective 

  • Description: We are helping shape California by making sure the Latino voice is heard in the workplace, including in the Natural Resources Agency. Join us for a career panel to learn how Latinos’ experience and knowledge is adding perspective to different agencies within CNRA.   
  • Time: Noon to 1 p.m. 
  • Location: Virtual event 

Thursday, October 3: Latinos and California’s Gold Rush

  • Description: A 45-minute walking tour of Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park with a focus on contributions of Latinos during the gold rush, followed by a 45-minute gold panning program. James W. Marshall discovered gold in 1848 on the South Fork of the American River in the valley the Nisenan Indians knew as Cullumah (beautiful valley). This event led to the greatest mass movement of people in the Western Hemisphere and was the spark that ignited the spectacular growth of the West during the ensuing decades. The gold discovery site, located in the still visible tailrace of Sutter's sawmill in present day Coloma, California, is one of the most significant historic sites in the nation.
  • Time: 10 a.m.
  • Location: Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Coloma
  • Register: Email outdoors@resources.ca.gov to register for the event -- Tour $3 per adult and $2 per child   I   $10 for gold panning.

 

Vamos al Salton Sea! Celebrando Cultura y Naturaleza 

  • Description: Comite Civico del Valle. Its Community Outreach, Education and Engagement team & the Salton Sea Management Program Team will take community members on a tour throughout the SCH project and highlight important components of the project that help protect air quality and restore ecological value at the south end of the Sea. This a community event that will also reflect on the importance of remembering our Latino roots and the need for collective work towards environmental stewardship and protecting the Salton Sea.
  • Time: 8:00 to 1:00 pm 
  • Location: Salton Sea. Species Conservation Habitat (SCH) Project, 6098 Poe rd, Brawley, CA, 92227 
  • Registration: To Register Call (760) 351-8761 Ext. 108 or Isamay@cvvhealth.org

Secretary Speaker Series: Latino Leadership in Conservation: Celebrating Heritage and Environmental Stewardship  

  • Description: In celebration of Latino Heritage Month, join us as we shine a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of Latino leaders and organizations dedicated to preserving California's natural and cultural resources. Join us as we explore how these trailblazers are championing protecting these resources, expanding outdoor access to nature, and mitigating and building resilience to climate change.  Their stories of commitment, innovation, and cultural heritage inspire a collective vision for a healthier California and sustainable future. 
  • Time: Noon to 1 p.m. 
  • Location: Virtual event 

California Latino Heritage Month Logo Image

       

ABOUT LATINO HERITAGE MONTH

September 15 to October 15 is Latino Heritage Month, which honors, remembers and celebrates the contributions of Latinos in California. At 15.6 million, Latino Californians are the state’s largest ethnic group with roots that can be traced across the Americas, Indigenous communities of Latin American and Africa, and beyond.

Latino Heritage Month began 55 years ago in 1968. September 15 is a significant date because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days on September 16 and 18, and Dia de la Raza is on October 12.

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