Hispanic Heritage Month is here, and the San Francisco Peninsula is ready to honor the culture, history, and achievements of our Hispanic and Latinx communities! From September 15th to October 15th, join the festivities and experience the energy and passion that defines this special time of year.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on the San Francisco Peninsula
Join these Hispanic Heritage Month events and celebrations around the San Francisco Peninsula to help you learn about and celebrate Hispanic and Latinx cultures and histories.
Kick off the celebrations on September 14 at ¡Pachanga Daly City!, located at Gellert Park in Daly City. This event will feature vendors, Latinx arts and crafts, food trucks, and live entertainment – think salsa bands, cumbia, and mariachi!
Then, on September 15, head to Courthouse Square in Redwood City to celebrate the Fiestas Patrias event. Enjoy ballet folklórico (Mexican regional dance), live mariachi groups, and a traditional flag ceremony conducted by the Consul General of Mexico. You'll also find plenty of delicious Mexican food and local arts and crafts vendors.
On September 16, take a musical journey through Latin America at Duamuxa at the San Carlos Public Library. Explore the enticing tunes of bolero, huapango, tango, and other musical styles from Central and South America and the Caribbean!
Between September 21 and 22, you can also enjoy Hispanic Heritage Weekend at Filoli Mansion & Gardens in Woodside, a family-friendly celebration of the contributions of the local Hispanic community to agriculture and the arts. Take photos in their orchard, play in a hay maze, build a scarecrow, enjoy storytime, shop for local produce, and listen to live music.
Hispanic-Owned Businesses
From Mexican taquerías to Salvadorean comfort food spots, you’ll find Hispanic-owned businesses in virtually every city in the San Francisco Peninsula. Check out Paletería los Manguitos in North Fair Oaks to try Mexican frozen treats made from fresh fruit, such as mangoneadas, paletas, smoothies, and more. Craving authentic pupusas? Head to Pupuseria La Casita in San Mateo for these corn-based Salvadoran staples bursting with flavor. And for a taste of Argentina, La Maja in Redwood City serves up authentic, homemade empanadas. For tacos and burritos, you can’t go wrong with The Green Enchilada in Pacifica, Taqueria San Bruno in San Bruno, or the various Celia’s locations around the county.
Craving a taste of the Caribbean? Visit Cuban Kitchen in San Mateo. This woman-owned, mother-daughter business has been serving some of the Bay's best Cuban sandwiches since the 1990s!
For groceries from across Latin America, you can’t go wrong with locally-owned markets like La Morenita, Mi Rancho, and La Hacienda – all conveniently located in the heart of San Mateo.
The Peninsula is also home to various cultural and community organizations dedicated to serving the diverse Latinx population in the area, such as Nuestra Casa in East Palo Alto and ALAS (Ayudando Latinos a Soñar) in Half Moon Bay. These unique spaces regularly host events, special programs, classes, and other activities for locals and visitors alike.
Fun Facts About Hispanic Heritage in San Mateo County
San Mateo County's Hispanic roots run deep, stretching back to the county's founding in 1856. For generations, our Spanish-speaking communities have been an integral part of the diverse county, shaping its culture and leaving a lasting mark on its identity! Here are a few Hispanic Heritage Month facts to keep in mind as you celebrate:
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Nearly 30% of the population in the San Francisco Peninsula identifies as Hispanic or Latinx.
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East Palo Alto, North Fair Oaks, and Pescadero boast majority-Hispanic populations.
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North Fair Oaks has such a strong connection to the Michoacán state of Mexico that some folks affectionately call it Little Michoacán.
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San Mateo County elected its first Latina supervisor, Noelia Corzo, in 2023.
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The start of Hispanic Heritage Month marks the independence days for Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras (September 15), Mexico (September 16), and Chile (September 18). It also marks the anniversary of the Cry of Dolores, an event that sparked the Mexican War of Independence.
Stay tuned to our events calendar for the latest updates on Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations across the San Francisco Peninsula. We'll be adding new events and activities throughout the month, so check back often!