Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Read

National Hispanic Heritage Month continues this month (annually celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15) to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the history, culture and achievements of the United States. There is a plethora of ways to dive into Hispanic culture in San Diego, including visiting local museums, neighborhoods and historical sites, reading books with kids, getting creative with art projects and, of course, eating traditional foods. Here are ideas to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

Create

In addition to the alebrijes project we already have online, “Art with Alyssa” contributor, Alyssa Navapanich, shares two new fun projects—worry dolls of Guatemala and La Boca houses of Argentina—using materials you likely have at home. Find step-by-step instructions at www.sandiegofamily.com/ for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids.

Taste

Asking locals who has the best tacos in San Diego County is a fast track to an argument. Here are some favorites:

Tacos El Gordo - Downtown San Diego, Chula Vista

Las Cuatro Milpas - Barrio Logan

Mike’s Red Tacos - Point Loma and Kearny Mesa

TJ Tacos - Escondido

City Tacos - several locations

The Taco Stand - several locations

Empanadas are a traditional food of Argentina. Here are great spots to order them:

The Empanada Spot - Chula Vista

Empanada Kitchen - North Park, Downtown SD, La Jolla

Paraná - Pacific Beach, UTC Mall, Liberty Public Market

Young Rosa experiences the power of sisterhood and community as she prepares to perform with her mother’s all-female mariachi group in Mamiachi & Me by Jolene and Dakota Gutiérrez. Illustrated by Mirelle Ortega.

Luna and Sol are determined to uncover the secret ingredient in their grandmother’s soup in Nana Lupita and the Magic Sopita by Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz. This enchanting story features some bilingual words and a recipe for Nana’s healing soup. Illustrated by Carlos Vélez.

Barrio Rising: The Protest that Built Chicano Park by María Dolores Águila is the story of a courageous young activist who fights alongside neighbors to preserve Barrio Logan, San Diego’s oldest Chicano neighborhood that is now a hub of Mexican-American culture, heritage and vibrant art. The book, based on real-life events of the 1970s, is illustrated by Magdalena Mora.

Explore

Take the family out on an educational field trip!

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park: The birthplace of California showcases Mexican and Spanish heritage through exploration of historic buildings, museums, restaurants, shops and cultural events.

San Diego Museum of Art: This museum in Balboa Park offers visitors an introduction to Hispanic artists and history.

Sherman Heights Community Center: Known for celebrating and supporting the local Hispanic community, this center hosts a number of cultural activities, including a weeks-long Día de los Muertos celebration that kicks off on Oct. 10 with Noche de Mole.

Barrio Logan: Barrio Logan is home to Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center and Chicano Park, a National Historic Landmark where visitors can peruse the largest concentration of Chicano murals in the world. While in the neighborhood, stop by Barrio Dogg, featuring Tijuana-style hot dogs, a popular Chicano comfort food. House of Spain: Visit Casa de España, one of the International Cottages in Balboa Park, to learn about the influence of Spain on Hispanic culture.

Centro Cultural de la Raza: Located in Balboa Park, the center is dedicated to promoting Chicano, Mexican, Indigenous and Latino art and culture through exhibits, events and performances.

Mission San Luis Rey: Old Mission San Luis Rey (the largest of the 21 California missions) has a museum collection that includes artifacts from Spanish, Native American, Mission, Mexican Secularization and American Military periods. The church is recognized as the most unique and beautiful in the mission chain. v

Lisa Gipson, managing editor of San Diego Family, is passionate about educating families about various cultures (and eating good tacos).