By Diana Martinez and Alejandro JSM Chavez
San Fernando Valley Sun/el Sol
Did you know the US Census reports Los Angeles County has, by far, the largest Hispanic and Latino population of any county in the United States? Most of LA County’s population is ethnically Mexican (75 percent). The county also is home to the largest Central American population in the nation, including the largest Guatemalan, Costa Rican and Salvadorian ethnic populations in the United States. There are many cultural events in LA’s diverse Latino communities that reflect its art and history, not only during Latino Heritage Month but throughout the year. Explore your community and beyond to celebrate. This is a sample of the many events that are being held. Many are free and available at LA City and County libraries.
Muñecas Quitapenas.
The City of San Fernando’s public library is having a class to teach children how to make Guatemalan Worry Dolls on Sat., Sept. 17, 2-3 p.m. This in-person event will show you and your children how to make muñecas quitapenas. According to Guatemalan legend, worry dolls remove kids’ worries. Learn about the legend and how to make a doll. For ages 5 – 12 with a parent or caregiver. You can register online at lacountylibrary.org.
Papel Picado
You can learn the art of Papel Picado and how to make Paper Flowers. This class is for teens ages 13-17 and is held on Thurs., Sept. 22, 4-5 p.m. This traditional Mexican craft to cut and punch paper creating elaborate designs is used for many special occasions. This event will be held in the meeting room of the San Fernando public library. You can register online at:lacountylibrary.org.
Talavera Inspired Tiles
On Tuesday, Sept. 27, 6-7 p.m., you can create your own Talavera inspired decorative tiles. Talavera tiles are colorful hand painted tiles that have been part of traditional Mexican architecture and design. This class is for adults held in the San Fernando library meeting room. You can register online at: lacountylibrary.org.
Viva La Tradición! Juan Gabrielísimo!
Talent that reins from the Northeast San Fernando Valley will be among the performers at the upcoming Ford Amphitheater on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 8 p.m. Six years after the death of one of Mexico’s most beloved pop icons and composers, the all female mariachi group Las Colibrí pays tribute to El Divo de Juarez with special guests Mariachi Angeles de Pepe Martinez Jr. and Panorama City based Ballet Folklorico Ollin will grace the stage for Viva La Tradición! Juan Gabrielísimo. The annual performance at the Ford Theater from these talented groups of performers is always a local favorite. For more information go to: LAS COLIBRÍ – Home (lascolibri.com) or The Ford | Home.
Noche Cosmica
On Sat., Oct. 1, the Ford hosts Noche Cosmica Noche Thee Sinseers Luna Luna Katzu Oso and Irene Diaz. The incredible LA record label celebrates its history with star voices of today. Tucked away in the Hollywood Hills, the Ford Amphitheater outdoor venue is an LA Gem and a great place to experience Noche Cosmica’s homage to the modern musical landscape through the Latinx lens.
Ceniza Negra.
Latin American Cinemateca of Los Angeles (LACLA) is pleased to present its Cine Nepantla program with the streaming of the Costa Rican film, Ceniza Negra. Ceniza Negra is a heartwarming coming-of-age story, written and directed by Sofia Quiros Ubeda and starring an all Afro-Latino cast, with breakthrough performances by Smashleen Gutierrez, Humberto Samuels and Hortensia Smith. Ceniza Negra premiered at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and led the way for female-directed Costa Rican films. Ceniza Negra will be available for streaming Sept. 22-26, at www.laclastream.com. The streaming includes an interview with the director.