Mayor's Events

Yreina Cervantez, Heart of the Mountain / Canto Ocelotl, Acrylic on Amate Paper, 2005

Opening Ceremony

Join the Mayor and City Council to offi cially declare the opening of Latino Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles. The Mayor will recognize the City's Spirit, Dream, and Hope honorees and host a reception at City Hall following the Proclamation Ceremony in Council Chambers.

El Grito

“El Grito” is the offi cial City of Los Angeles celebration of Mexican Independence Day. The event is sponsored by Councilmember Jose Huizar and coordinated by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the City of Los Angeles, the Mexican Consulate, and the Comité Mexicano Cívico Patriótico. Join the celebration featuring: Lucero, Antonio Aguilar Jr. and Flor Sylvestre, Ninel Conde, Mariachi Monumental, La Autoridad de la Sierra, Tamborazo Pancho Villa, and Folkloric Dancers.

DCA Music LA Latino Heritage Month Classes
sponsored by Disney and TARGET

In celebration of Latino Heritage Month, Disney, TARGET, ABC7, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and the Department of Cultural Affairs will host music classes as part of the Music LA program for middle and high school students as an introduction to the music of Latin America. Various Latin American musical genres will be presented in their historical context and the fundamentals of music will be emphasized with music theory and ear training. Participation will also include performance training in an ensemble setting through workshops and rehearsals and conclude with a public performance.

The Lalo Guerrero School of Music at Art in the Park will explore a Mexican- based repertoire honoring the late Father of Chicano Music, Lalo Guerrero. Courses offered will include Guitar Ensemble, Choir, Percussion, and Piano. All levels of musicianship welcome!

The Neighborhood Music School will offer a Latin twist to their orchestra classes this Fall by introducing students to a broad survey of Latin American music with a special emphasis on Mexico and Cuba. A guitar class for beginners will focus on Mexican Boleros while the intermediate and advanced orchestra ensemble will cover styles such as Danzón, Chachacha, Charanga, and Latin Jazz.

The daKAH Institute for Symphonic Hip Hop (D.I.S.H) will be in residence at the Croatian Cultural Center offering students a unique program combining traditional musical instruction with cutting edge hip-hop while celebrating the contributions of Latin American music to today's urban musical expressions. Under the direction of conductor and composer, Geoff "Double G" Gallegos, this program will infuse elements of Latin Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Reggaetón for a unique experience highlighting the aesthetic and instrumentation of the daKAH Hip Hop Orchestra.

Most instruments will be provided. Please call the numbers listed below for enrollment details and class schedules.

Latino Heritage Month 8th Annual Latinos in Hollywood A Photographic Exhibition

Latinos in Hollywood is a lavish exhibit highlighting the stories and achievements of Latinos in the fi lm and television industries, from its early beginnings to the present. This will be dramatically illustrated through the presentation of over 160 rare still photographs of actors, extras, and behind-the-scenes personnel, such as produces, writers, choreographers, and directors. This year's collection features television's newest success stories, including Ugly Betty, Desperate House Wives, and Cane.

Latino Heritage Month Poster Contest
sponsored by Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo, Disney, ABC7, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and the Department of Cultural Affairs sponsor an essay competition for K-12 students in Los Angeles in celebration of Latino Heritage Month. This contest invites students to showcase their artistic skills and follow the celebration's theme, "Celebrating Latino Art, Culture, and Pride ~ Nuestra Herencia." Entries will be judged by a panel of professional artists, educators, and community leaders. Awards will be given at the Mayor's reception.

Carlos J. Flores, Pedro's Dilemma, Acrylic and Charcoal on Wood, 2006

Feria de los Niños

This annual event celebrates the rich, diverse heritage of the Latino
community with an emphasis on the accomplishments of children. The
educational program takes place in the City’s recreational centers and strives
to instill self-esteem, confi dence, cultural pride, and family respect in its
young participants. The culminating festival attracts crowds of over 20,000
at Hollenbeck Park in Boyle Heights, and showcases the artistic and cultural
talent and traditions of our young people in the East Los Angeles Latino
community. The festival includes a children’s fun area, arts and crafts, two
stages for childrens’ performances, food booths, salsa tasting, Xochimilco
boats, and community booths highlighting Latino culture.

Latino Heritage Month Creative Writing Competition
sponsored by Time Warner Cable

In celebration of Latino Heritage Month, Time Warner Cable, Disney, ABC7, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and the Department of Cultural Affairs host a creative writing competition for young people in 7th through 12th grade in Los Angeles. This contest invites students to explore aspects of Latino heritage and to showcase their literary skills by asking, "What symbolizes Latino LA to you?" Entries will be judged by a panel of professional artists, educators, and community leaders. Awards will be given at the Mayor's reception.

JuntaHispana en 2007 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

JuntaHispana is a festival that showcases the music, dance, heritage, crafts, food, and people from all 20 Spanish-speaking countries. See performances by Dora the Explorer, Maya and Miguel, and the Cabbage Patch Kids that will
delight children of all ages. And come visit the Rite Aid Farmacia, where you can consult with a pharmacist about health issues.

David A. Martinez, El Campesino, Acrylic on Canvas, 2007

Festival de la Gente 2007 Día de los Muertos Celebration

Join the fun at the nation's largest Día de los Muertos celebration featuring Latino artists and entertainers on the streets of Los Angeles. Enjoy live music, art exhibits, storytelling, theatrical presentations, arts and crafts demonstrations, and traditional Latin American cuisine. Special event areas will be dedicated to health and education, with interactive activities for children and their families.