Attendees can experience Hispanic Heritage Month at LA Plaza through Fiestas Patrias Family Day, the screening of Harvest of Loneliness, the culinary panel L.A. Culinary Heritage: Mexico and France, and more.
LOS ANGELES (September 12, 2025) –– LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, Los Angeles’ premier destination for exploring Mexican, Mexican American, and Latino heritage, will commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 with a lineup of programs and experiences that highlight both tradition and innovation.
From September through early October, LA Plaza will host a wide range of events, including a family day, hands-on cooking classes, film screenings, documentary showings, and thought-provoking conversations that explore the richness and diversity of Hispanic heritage.
“LA Plaza celebrates Latinidad every day —it’s the heartbeat of our community’s resilience and joy,” said Leticia Rhi Buckley, CEO of LA Plaza. “We welcome Angelenos to join us in honoring the heritage that continues to shape Los Angeles into the vibrant, multicultural city we proudly call home.”
On Sunday, September 14, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., LA Plaza hosts its traditional Fiestas Patrias Family Day, where families can participate in workshops exploring the independence celebrations of Latin American countries, with special emphasis on Mexico, whose national holiday takes place the night of September 15. The event will also feature performances, tours, community partners, and food and beverages available for purchase.
This year’s programming will also explore the historical impact of the Bracero Program through a screening of the documentary Harvest of Loneliness, followed by a panel and a tour. Additional highlights include a wine tasting from Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe; the Milpa Urban Series; a hands-on cooking class with traditional Pueblan cook María Margarita Villegas Leal (Doña Mago), who will share her expertise in making mole; and TAKE 3: Celebrating East LA Film Festival with Panamanian Intl Film Festival/LA, a two-day event featuring screenings, music, and panel discussions.
The celebration will conclude with LA Culinary Heritage: Mexico and France, a special panel examining culinary heritage through the lens of Mexican, French, and Indigenous fusion. The evening features live music and refreshments designed by Michelin-recognized Chefs Gilberto Cetina and Fátima Juárez, featuring dishes such as heirloom blue corn masa with ayacote bean purée and escabeche of local Hope Ranch mussels.
The program will feature culinary stars Chef Gilberto Cetina of Holbox, Chef Fátima Juárez of Komal, Chef Chuy Cervantes of Damian and Ditroit Taqueria, and baker Arturo Enciso of Gusto. The conversation will be moderated by Evan Kleiman, author, L.A. chef, and host of KCRW’s Good Food.
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month—and continuing through August 2026—visitors are also invited to experience LA Plaza’s newest exhibition, A Great Day in East L.A.: Celebrando the Eastside Sound. Opened in June, the multi-media exhibition showcases more than 500 objects tracing the dynamic musical influences of East Los Angeles, highlighting the global reach of the artists who shaped an eclectic and enduring musical identity.
All programs take place at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in downtown Los Angeles or at LA Cocina de Gloria Molina, the museum’s hands-on teaching kitchen. Many events are free with RSVP, while select culinary classes and tastings require ticket purchase.
PROGRAMMING
Fiestas Patrias Family Day
Sunday, September 14 | 12pm to 4pm | All ages | Free
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
Celebrate this historic day with activities for the entire family! Join us as we honor freedom, culture, and tradition with family-friendly workshops, including Create Your Own Estandarte, Cochineal Art, Tri-Color Pozole Spice Mix, and Tostadas y Salsa de Bandera. Children who participate in all workshops will receive a special book giveaway. Enjoy tours of our core exhibition, LA Starts Here!, a performance by Mariachi Tierra del Sol Juvenil de Los Ángeles, and DJ music throughout the day. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Link: https://shorturl.at/Am97G
Pasión de Volcanes: CentAm Q Voices of Resilience
Thursday, September 18 | 8pm to 8pm | All ages | Free with RSVP
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
An explorative conversation with a dynamic group of Central Americans, discussing the profound impact of community, expression, and resilience. Each speaker shares personal insights on how their cultural backgrounds, identities, and experiences have built resilience in the face of systemic challenges, migration, and social inequality. The audience will be reminded that the passion for creativity and building community fosters unity, and healing for future generations looking for connection and purpose. Presented in partnership with Salvies who Lunch.
Link: https://shorturl.at/IawcG
Plática y Prueba: Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tasting
Thursday, September 18 | 7pm to 9pm | Ages 21+ | $40
LA Cocina de Gloria Molina
Join us for a special Valle de Guadalupe wine tasting experience, where we’ll explore a selection of wines perfect for your upcoming holiday celebrations. From Thanksgiving feasts to Christmas dinners and New Year’s toasts, our curated lineup showcases a tour through the region. We have selected a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and bubbles, to elevate your holiday gatherings. Also learn about Baja California wine methods of production and the rich history of wine in Baja California.
Link: https://shorturl.at/xJrJb
Teen Class: Corn Tortillas and Salsa en Molcajete
Saturday, September 20 | 7pm to 9pm | $40
LA Cocina de Gloria Molina
This class is designed for teens to help build confidence and creativity in the kitchen. The class will teach basic food prep skills, food history, and best practices for kitchen safety. The tortilla is a blank canvas for culinary creativity. In this class, students will be making corn tortillas from scratch, while working with a tortilla press and cooking on LA Cocina’s comal. The tortilla is the fundamental ingredient to so many dishes, such as quesadillas, and more. Participants will also make a salsa verde en molcajete for the perfect after school snack. Guest Chef, Glenda Galvan Garcia.
Link: https://shorturl.at/bxWuH
Docs @ LA Plaza: Harvest of Loneliness
Saturday, September 20 | 6pm to 9pm | Free with RSVP
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
Released in 2010, this powerful documentary tells the true story of the Bracero Program, revealing the untold personal experiences of the men who lived it. Learn about a generation—now in their 80s and 90s—who felt compelled to work in the U.S. as survival in Mexico during the World War II era became increasingly difficult. Come early and join a free tour (in English) at 6pm. After the screening, join a conversation in Spanish on how ex-braceros demand justice and the return of their 10 percent savings.
Link: https://shorturl.at/K5M72
Milpa Cooking Class: Harvest Celebration
Sunday, September 21 | 1pm to 3pm | Free with RSVP
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
We will come together to prepare and construct an edible altar, a beautiful space where we can express our gratitude for the harvest, embracing the customs that resonate within the maize-based cultures of Turtle Island. We will delve into culturally relevant harvesting practices, ensuring that we respect the traditions that accompany this important task. Emphasizing the seasonal shifts as we move into autumn, we will explore the techniques that allow us to honor the cycles of nature. This gathering will not only reinforce our connection to the land but also to each other, fostering a sense of community and appreciation. Special guest, Marlene Aguilar of Irekuarhikua.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/58cf3j3s
Plática y Prueba: Sabor a Puebla
Sunday, September 27 | 1pm to 3pm | $30
LA Cocina de Gloria Molina
Maria Margarita Villegas Leal, mejor conocida como Doña Mago, es una cocinera tradicional del estado de Puebla que compartirá su experiencia culinaria para ofrecer una muestra de su legendario mole poblano. Acompáñenos a una tarde de narración con sabor. Este programa se presenta en conjunto con La Feria de los Moles. El festival del mole es el único evento en Los Ángeles que conserva la esencia de los platillos y la tradición prehispánica. Esta clase se impartirá en español.
Link: https://rb.gy/zfuyuc
Les Navegantes Activation Day
Saturday, October 4 | 12pm to 4pm | Free with RSVP
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
Complete the LA story! We invite you to learn and share about your history in Los Angeles by taking a free tour with LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes’ Navegantes. Together, tour and navega the museum while learning about the Latinx presence in Los Angeles – from the founding of the city to today’s issues. The LA experience is incomplete without you- ask questions, discuss issues in your community, and share with a Navegante what you love or want to change about LA. In addition to tours, be on the lookout for what other activities are happening during your visit to LA Plaza.
Link: https://2cm.es/1ef48
TAKE 3: Celebrating East LA Film Festival with Panamanian Intl Film Festival/LA
Friday, October 3 | 7pm to 9pm | Free with RSVP
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
Join us for the screening of Las Promotoras Against Violence. In ‘Las Promotoras Against Violence,’ award-winning director Juan Escobedo joins forces with a group of resilient community health workers to tackle pressing issues in Boyle Heights and East LA, weaving together powerful stories of survival, resilience, and the healing power of collective action.
Link: https://psee.io/84xpug
TAKE 3: Celebrating East LA Film Festival with Panamanian Intl Film Festival, LA Plaza and TELASOFA
Saturday, October 4 | 5pm to 10pm | Free with RSVP
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
Join a groundbreaking celebration! This milestone event unites two visionary festivals and a historic cultural institution under one banner, combining storytelling, heritage, and creativity. We’ll celebrate the power of film to connect, spark dialogue, and build community. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Link: https://psee.io/84xpuj
LA Culinary Heritage: Mexico and France
Wednesday, October 8 | 5pm to 10pm | Free with RSVP
Join LA County Department of Arts and Culture and LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in the heart of one of L.A.’s cultural hubs for a conversation on LA’s rich culinary heritage through the lens of Mexican, French, and Indigenous fusion. The program—highlighting food as culture in Los Angeles—will feature culinary stars Chef Gilberto Cetina of Holbox, Chef Fátima Juárez of Komal, Chef Chuy Cervantes of Damian and Ditroit Taqueria, and baker Arturo Enciso of Gusto. The chefs will discuss Indigenous ingredients, the Columbian Exchange, French techniques, and their impact on kitchens across Los Angeles County. The conversation will be moderated by Evan Kleiman, author, L.A. chef, and host of KCRW’s Good Food. Prior to the panel, enjoy live entertainment and light refreshments.
This program is presented by the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture in collaboration with LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.
Link: https://psee.io/84xpuj